A comprehensive Concussion Protocol based on current research has been developed to help students, staff and families prevent, recognize, and respond to a concussion. For more information, read Procedure VI-71 Concussion Safety​.
What is a Concussion?
A Concussion:
- is a brain injury that causes changes in the way in which the brain functions and that can lead to symptoms that can be physical (e.g. headache, dizziness,) cognitive (e.g. difficulty in concentrating or remembering), emotional/behavioural (e.g. depression, irritability) and/or related to sleep (e.g. drowsiness, difficulty in falling asleep).
- may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face or neck or by 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).
- if an individual suffers a second concussion before they are free from symptoms sustained from the first concussion, this may lead to ‘second impact syndrome’ a rare condition that causes rapid and severe brain swelling and often has catastrophic results.
Concussions that Occur During School-Organized Activities
A concussion diagnosed by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner that occurred during school organized activities that occur in school-organized activities will be documented and managed through our Board’s Concussion Protocol​. Through the collaborated efforts of a school team, partnered with parents/guardians and the medical support team, a student will participate in a School Return to School Plan. This Return to School Plan has two parts: a Home Concussion Management Plan followed by a School Concussion Management Plan. During the Home and School Plans the student will participate in graduated Return to Learn RTL) stages and Return to Physical Activity stages.
- It is important for parents to inform any relevant organizations with which the student is involved or registered (e.g. sport organizations) that their child has been diagnosed with a concussion and undergoing the schools Return to School Plan.
A student’s progress will be documented, and continuously monitored through frequent communication between the school and home, until full-recovery has occurred.
Concussions that Occur Off School Property
Concussions often occur off school property (e.g., at home, in a car accident, or during a recreational sporting activity). It is important for parent/guardian, prior to student attending school, to inform the school, when their child has experienced either a suspected concussion or a diagnosed concussion. The school will be able to manage the situation through the Concussion Protocol. These plans are designed to minimize the risk of further injury and prevent the worsening of a concussion.
NOTE: If your son or daughter has a suspected or diagnosed concussion that does not occur on a school site, contact the school principal as soon as possible and prior to a student’s return to school.