CONCUSSION/TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

  • What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

    A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury that is caused by a blow or jolt to the head, penetrating head injury, or by being violently shaken enough to disrupt the function of the brain. A TBI can change how a person acts, moves, communicates, and thinks. An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) includes harm caused by pressure to the brain from inside the body such as the result of heart attacks, strokes, illness and near drowning.

    Signs and symptoms of a concussion can occur right after the injury or hours to days after the injury.

     

    Symptoms include:

    Symptoms

    • Headaches
    • "Pressure in head"
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Neck pain
    • Balance problems or dizziness
    • Blurred, double or fuzzy vision
    • Sensitivity to light or noise
    • Feeling sluggish or slowed down
    • Feeling foggy or groggy
    • Drowsiness
    • Change in sleep patterns
    • Amnesia
    • "Don't feel right"
    • Fatigue or low energy
    • Sadness
    • Nervousness or anxiety
    • Irritability
    • More emotional
    • Confusion
    • Concentration or memory problems
      (forgetting game plays)
    • Repeating the same question/comment

     

    What to do

    Let the school know what the diagnosis and recommendations from the healthcare provider are for returning to the school learning environment. Any restrictions in the classroom or athletic play should be shared. The best transitions after an injury include collaboration among medical staff, school staff and families. In the Blue Valley School District there are school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, administrators, and teachers knowledgeable about TBI. Please contact your child’s school nurse to report a head injury or for more information.

     

    Learn More

    Brain Line - School and Education   

    • Returning to School 

    • IEP & Accommodations 

    • Resources for Parents 

    • Resources for Educators 

    • College & Higher Education 

    • Vocational Rehabilitation 

    Brain Line - Teens with TBI 

    • Teens and Brain Injury 

    • Addressing Issues with Behavior 

    • Communication & Support 

    • Social Challenges 

    • Rehabilitating for Teens 

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