You’ve probably heard concussions in the news lately. There has been a lot of discussion about the long-term side effects of football related injuries. Unfortunately, concussions don’t only happen to athletes on the playing field.
Students could take a spill, knock his/her head, and get a concussion in any number of school settings ranging from the hallway, the playground, the cafeteria, and beyond.
Here are 3 Things you should know and 4 resources (from the CDC):
3 Things you should know (from the CDC):
1. What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.
2. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Concussion?
Most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully. But for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens. Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one and may find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion.
3. What Can I Do to Help Feel Better After a Concussion?
Although most people recover fully after a concussion, how quickly they improve depends on many factors. These factors include how severe their concussion was, their age, how healthy they were before the concussion, and how they take care of themselves after the injury.
4 Resources to learn more (from the CDC):
- Helping Students Recover from a Concussion: Classroom Tips for Teachers (PDF)
- CDC’s Head’s Up Online Training Course
- CDC’s Heads Up to Clinicians Online Training Course
Concussion training for coaches (PDF)
Stay Safe