Concussion Management Protocol

As per the Nipissing - Parry Sound Catholic District School Board's policy AS 15.2

Definitions

Concussion

A brain injury that causes changes in how the brain functions, leading to symptoms that can be physical (e.g. headache, dizziness), cognitive (e.g. difficulty concentrating or remembering), emotional/behavioural (e.g. depression, irritability) and/or related to sleep (e.g. drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep).

May be caused either by direct blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that transmits a force to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.

Can occur even if there has been no loss of consciousness (in fact,, most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness).

Cannot be seen on X-rays, standard CT scans or MRI's

 

*It is critical that a student with a suspected concussion be examined by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible on the same day.

Concussion Diagnosis (Process)

  1. Prevention Component

  2. Identification Component

    1. Initial Response

    2. Initial Concussion Assessment

    3. Steps To Take Following An Initial Assessment

  3. Management Procedures For A Diagnosed Concussion

Please see the Parent Fact Sheet to assist you with more information.