Concussion Management

Classroom listenting to speaker

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

  1. Rest until asymptomatic (physical + mental rest)
  2. Light aerobic exercise (e.g. stationary cycle)
  3. Sport-specific exercise
  4. Non-contact training drills (start light resistance training)
  5. Full contact training after medical clearance
  6. 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)