A concussion is a brain injury that is characterized by an onset of impairment of cognitive and/or physical functioning, and is caused by a blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that causes a sudden jarring of the head.

Common symptoms:

• headache or feeling of pressure in the head

• dizziness/feeling “in a fog”

• balance deficit

• unequal pupil size

• sensitivity to light and sound

• blurred vision

• nausea/vomiting

• overall slowed down feeling

• slurred speech

Washington County Public Schools Concussion Policy Overview:

• The head injury is reported to the Certified Athletic Trainer and Athletic Director, immediately.

• The athlete will be evaluated by a supervising ATC or immediately referred to a physician.

• The athlete must be evaluated by a physician, PA or nurse practitioner following recognition of concussion symptoms.

• A doctor’s note must be given to the athletic director, who will then give a copy to the ATC.

• Once diagnosed as a concussion, the athlete will remain out of all activity until released by a physician to begin the graduated return to play.

• The graduated return to play will begin only once released by a physician, PA or NP-C, and the student athlete is completely symptom free.

• There will be a five-day graduated return to play (One (1) stage per day) that must be completed prior to returning to activities and the athlete must remain symptom free throughout.

• Per VHSL regulations, there will be no graduated return days completed on a Sunday.

• Any student athlete not evaluated by a physician or nurse practitioner will be held from all activities for two weeks following complete resolution of the patient’s symptoms.

Do not ignore the symptoms of a concussion. If you feel it, report it. Report symptoms to your coach or supervising ATC, immediately.

Disclaimer: This is only an overview of our concussion policy. A complete version can be found in Policy JJAC.