Concussions
About Concussions
A concussion, or generally referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can be caused by a bump, blow, jolt to the head OR by a hit to the body that causes the brain and body to move rapidly back and forth or side to side. This sudden movement can cause the brain to move or bounce around in the skull which can lead to damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.
Concussions are the most common traumatic brain injury that individuals sustain annually and can lead to acute (short term) or chronic (long term) symptoms. All concussion should be taken seriously and seek proper medical treatment.
National Concussion Awareness Day
National Concussion Awareness Day ® was founded in 2016 by Brooke Mills, who suffered a concussion as a freshman in high school. Concussions have become an epidemic in the United States, with millions of mild traumatic brain injuries yearly. National Concussion Awareness Day ® aims to create an opportunity for public discussion of this issue. We can positively impact lives nationwide by raising awareness of the importance of recognizing a concussion, treating it appropriately, and supporting the injured.
For more information and to learn more please visit the Website.
National Concussion Awareness Day is September 15th, 2023!
The Governor’s Council on Spinal and Head Injuries is funding educational events to raise awareness around concussions and educate the public on how you can prevent concussions. The events are being hosted by Empowerment Research, LLC, free to the public, and will be held virtually.
Check out the Event Page for more information and to register.
Concussion Information
ODVN: Brain Injury & Domestic Violence Checklist
Ohio Domestic Violence Network has a brain injury and domestic violence checklist for individuals and professionals.
Invisible Injuries: When Your Head is Hurt While Experiencing Domestic Violence
Violence can cause a head injury, which happens when there is a change in how your brain normally works. This article covers signs, symptoms and has resources if you’ve experienced a brain injury, especially while in an intimate partner relationship.
Concussion Fact Sheet for School Professionals
CDC Heads Up program offers a fact sheet for school professionals on signs, symptoms and what to look for after a concussion.
Recovery: Classroom Tips for Teachers
CDC Heads Up fact sheet on how to help students recover from a concussion – classroom tips for teachers.
Parent & Athlete Concussion Info Sheet
CDC Heads Up information sheets for parents and athletes on concussion.
Concussion Fact Sheet for High School Coaches
CDC Heads Up fact sheet for high school coaches on concussion, signs, symptoms and what they can do to support the athletes during practice and games.
Post Concussive Disorder (Definition of mTBI)
A definition of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury developed by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.
AAN Concussion Quick Check
American Academy of Neurology concussion quick check sheet.
Concussion Carryover in the Classroom
Information on how concussions impact students in the academic setting and what professionals can do. Covers 504 Plan, accommodations and interventions.
Concussion and CTE Fact Sheet
Brain injury fact sheet on concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from Brain Injury Association of America.
Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents
CDC Heads Up fact sheet for parents on concussion. Addresses signs, symptoms and what you can do.
REAP Concussion Management – Spanish
Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute the REAP Project for concussion management in Spanish. (REAP – Reduce, Educate, Accommodate, Pace).
REAP Concussion Management – English
Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute the REAP Project for good concussion management (REAP – Reduce, Educate, Accommodate, Pace). How to create a Community-Based Concussion Management programs involving families, schools and medical professionals.
When In Doubt Infographic
American Academy of Neurology Sports Concussion – When In Doubt – Sit Them Out infographic.
Post-Concussive Symptomatology Checklist
A reference card for health care providers and other professionals that describes common symptoms that may follow a mild traumatic brain injury. The card uses clinical language.
Concussion Signs & Symptoms
CDC Heads Up fact sheet on signs and symptoms of concussion for school professionals.
Returning to School After a Concussion
CDC Heads Up fact sheet with resources, tools, accommodations and interventions for school professionals to help support students in the academic setting after a concussion.
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
What is a Concussion
CDC – Heads Up
Concussion Program
Brain Injury Association of America
Concussion
Concussion Legacy Foundation
What is a Concussion
Brainline
Concussion in Kids
Brainline
Sports Concussions