What is a concussion?
- Immediate partial or complete impairment of neurological function following a violent shaking or jarring action to the brain, usually as a result of a direct or indirect impact with an object or ground.
- Impairment can last from a few seconds to several days or longer.
- Symptoms can develop hours or days after the initial injury.
- Most concussions do not result in a loss of conciousness
* IF SYMPTOMS OR YOUR CONDITION GETS WORSE, GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OR YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY *
Click to navigate to SRJC Concussion Education Video
Concussion Management
Common concussion symptoms
- Headache
- Fatigue/low energy
- Feeling like in a fog
- Irritability/Anger
- Vomiting Dizziness/Nausea
- Memory problems
- Sadness
- Vision problems
- Concentration problems
- Feeling like in a fog
- Irritability/Anger
- Memory problems
- Sadness Confusion
- Nervous/Anxious
- Loss of consciousness
- Drowsiness
- More emotional
- Trouble falling asleep
- Balance problems
- Sensitivity to noise
What you DO if you have a concussion
- REST (physical and mental)
- Wear sunglasses if sensitive to light
- wear earplugs if sensitive to noise
- Eat breakfast/lunch/dinner & snack
- Stay hydrated
- Report increased or new symptoms
- Keep your DRD appointments
- Request and use academic accommodations
- Check in with Certified Athletic Trainer daily
- Tylenol/Acetaminophen ok for headache
What you DON'T do if you have a concussion
- NO Ibuprofen/Motrin/Advil
- NO physical exertion AT ALL (jogging, swimming, weights, etc.)
- NO studying
- NO alcohol
- Limit caffeine intake
- NO texting
- NO video games/computer use/TV
- NO loud music
- NO pushing through your symptoms to attend class
Graded Return to Play Protocol
- Rest until asymptomatic (physical + mental rest)
- Light aerobic exercise (e.g. stationary cycle)
- Sport-specific exercise
- Non-contact training drills (start light resistance training)
- Full contact training after medical clearance
- Return to competition (game play)
- There should be approximately 24 hours (or longer) for each stage and the athlete should return to Stage 1 if symptoms recur.
Local Medical Facilities
- Memorial Hospital / 1165 Montgomery Drive / (707) 525-5300
East on Pacific. Right on North. North turns into Brookwood. Left on Montgomery. Memorial Hospital is on the left. - Kaiser Hospital / 401 Bicentennial Way / (707) 571-4000
North on Mendocino to Bicentennial Drive. Kaiser Hospital is on the left. - Sutter Hospital / 3325 Chanate Road / (707) 576-4000
North on Mendocino. Right on Chanate Road. Turn left to stay on Chanate. Turn left. Destination will be on right. - Dr. Ty Affleck’s Office / 1255 N. Dutton Ave / (707) 546-9400
South on Mendocino. Right on College. Right on North Dutton. Office will be on left. (Dr. Affleck oversees all management of concussions sustained by SRJC student-athletes)