In cooperation with
Altoona Area School District



A concussion is a brain injury
Concussion is caused by any force to the
head or body which interferes with normal
neurological function of the brain
Young athletes are at greater risk for serious
problems








Headache
Balance problem
Dizziness
Nausea
Feeling ‘foggy’
Visual problems
Hearing problems
Irritability, emotional changes










Loss of and/or impaired consciousness
Poor conduction or balance
Convulsions
Gait unsteadiness
Slow to answer questions, follow directions
Easily distracted
Emotional disturbance
Slurred speech
Vomiting
Vacant stare



Not all concussions are caused by a blow to
the head
Not all concussions result in loss of
consciousness (LOC)
Initial symptom severity is not an indication
of time needed for recovery, not all
concussions exhibit symptoms immediately.



No Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, Aspirin etc for
headaches. This may mask symptoms or
decrease the body’s ability to coagulate blood if
there is bleeding in the brain.
It is recommended to wake athlete and monitor
for symptom deterioration ever 2 hrs.
If the athletes symptoms or physical conditions
worsen; please seek advanced medical attention.
Follow-up with Athletic Trainer to correlate planof-care with physician


Athlete should refrain from activities that require
concentration such as playing video games,
watching TV, texting and using the computer. The
brain needs an opportunity to rest, just like any
other injured body part.
Athlete should also avoid any activity that may
increase heart rate (treadmill, lifting weights, etc)
to avoid increasing subdural hematoma (bleeding
on the brain).


Sometimes signs and symptoms of a
concussion do not appear until 8-12 hours
after the injury occurs.
Academic accommodations can be arranged if
the physician feels it is medically necessary.

Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or
behaviors consistent with a concussion shall
be immediately removed from the contest
and shall not return to play until cleared by
an appropriate licensed medical professional.
New Legislation signed into law by
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett in
November of 2011, entitled “Safety and Youth
Sports Act” requires that an athlete who
suffered a concussion be cleared by an
appropriate medical professional before
returning to play.
Requires all coaches to pass concussion
awareness training
• No activity, complete rest until asymptomatic
• Athlete may NOT RETURN TO PLAY until:
 They are symptom free
 They return to baseline levels on ImPACT Test
 They pass a multi-step exertional RTP
progression
 They are cleared by a licensed medical
professional experienced in concussion
management



Continuing to play while experiencing signs or symptoms of a
concussion leaves the athlete especially vulnerable to greater,
more serious injury.
There is an increased risk of significant brain damage from a
concussion for a period of time after the concussion occurs,
particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before
completely recovering from the first one.
This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even severe brain
swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even
fatal consequences.




Licensed Physician
Licensed Neuropsychologist
Licensed health care professional designated
by such licensed physician (Licensed Athletic
Trainer)
Must be current in concussion management
protocols


ImPACT is a computerized assessment tool
used by medical doctors, psychologists,
athletic trainers, and other licensed
healthcare professionals to assist them in
determining an athlete's ability to return to
play after suffering a concussion.
Baseline testing can be administered prior to
the season to individualize care post-injury.

Altoona Area School District Athletic Office
◦ Phil Riccio Athletic Director
◦ (814) 946-8289

Athletic Trainers
◦ Dan McAllister
 (814) 946-8256
◦ Dan Picarella
 (814) 946-8256
◦ Steve Reimer
 (814) 946-8293
Drayer Physical Therapy
(814) 949-9500

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

National Federation of State High Schools
Association (NFSHS)
◦ www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/
◦ www.NFHS.org

Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society (PATS)

Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
(PIAA)
◦ www.gopats.org
◦ www.PIAA.org