Grayslake Central High School

1. Grayslake CentralHigh School Changing the Mindset Around Concussion Injury in Sports

2. Why are we doing this? • To increase concussion awareness • To aid in prevention of long term consequences of concussion

3. Why are we doing this? • To increase concussion awareness • To aid in prevention of long term consequences of concussion • New legislation – HB200

4. Why are we doing this? • To increase concussion awareness • To aid in prevention of long term consequences of concussion • New legislation – HB200 • To provide better care for student athletes

5. HB200 – Concussion Management • A student athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from participation or competition at that time. • A student athlete who has been removed from an interscholastic contest for possible concussion or head injury cannot return to that contest unless cleared by physician licensed to practice medicine or a certified athletic trainer. • If not cleared to return to that contest, a student athlete cannot return to play or practice until they have provided the school with written clearance from a physician licensed to practice medicine or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with physician licensed to practice medicine.

6. What is a Concussion? • A complex injury to the brain caused by a traumatic force resulting in many different symptoms or signs • Can happen in any sport • Different in each athlete • No LOC necessary

7. High School Sports

9. Concussion Myths

10. “You have to be hit in the head to have a concussion” • False • A concussion can result from a large blow to the head, neck, or body

11. “Concussions are not a big deal” • False • Playing while still concussed puts you at great risk

12. Recent studies are linking long term recurrent concussions with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) Healthy brain, age 65: Former NFL player: Former boxer

13. “Kids bounce back quicker from concussion” • False • Pediatric brains take longer to recover • Risk of “second impact syndrome”

14. “You should get a CT or MRI for a concussion” • False • A concussion is a brain injury that results in no changes being seen on a CT or MRI of your brain. • The studies may be helpful in ruling out other possible injuries when warranted.

15. Concussion Symptoms • Headache • Feeling in a fog, sluggish, or groggy • Increased emotions or irritable • Amnesia • Confusion • Nausea &/or vomiting • Loss of consciousness

16. Concussion Symptoms • Balance Problems • Dizziness • Blurred or double vision • Sensitivity to light or noise • Concentration or memory problems • Slowed reaction time • Change in sleep pattern

17. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy • Linked to recurrent concussions and may cause • Depression • Increased suicidal or homicidal tendencies • Decreased income level • Decreased intelligence NFL study 2007

18. What do you do if you think you may have a concussion? • Stop exercise, practice, or game • Immediately contact your athletic trainer or team physician • If your athletic trainer or physician is not available, inform one of your coaches

19. How can I speed up my recovery? • Don’t try to hide a concussion • Be honest about symptoms • Brain rest

20. What if I don’t tell someone? • It is your brain you are risking • The sooner the someone is aware, the sooner you will be treated. • The sooner you are treated, the faster you will recover