Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury

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 blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

In Sports

• The Dylan Steigers Protection of Youth Athletes Act (SB 112)-   As of April 22, 2013, Montana has a law regarding concussions in youth athletes. 
• Montana High School Association (MHSA) Concussion Rules, Regulations, & Resources
  The Montana High School Association provides a number of resources for parents and guardians, school staff, and coaches on concussion and brain injury. Montana concussion rules are available, as well as forms, parent letters, and concussion insurance information. 
• HEADS UP- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Concussion information page containing training and resources. 
  • Parent Athlete Information Sheet
  • Fact Sheet for Parents
  • Fact Sheet for Youth Sports Coaches
  • Fact Sheet for Sports Officials
  • Fact Sheet for Athletes: Ages 14-18
  • Fact Sheet for Athletes: Ages 11-13
• HEADS UP to Youth Sports Coaches- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  This site contains fact sheets, tools, resources and training opportunities. 
• Managing Return to Activities - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  

In the Class Room

• An Educator's Guide to Concussions in the Classroom (2nd Edition)- NationWide Children's Hospital
• HEADS UP to Schools- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention training and resources.
  • Fact Sheet for Teachers, Counselors, and School Professionals
  • Helping Students Recover from a Concussion: Classroom Tips for Teachers
  • Returning to School After a Concussion: A Fact Sheet for School Professionals
  • Fact Sheet for School Nurses
  • Fact Sheet for Parents
• After a Concussion: When to Return to School- American Academy of Pediatrics
  Understand background, signs/symptoms of concussion, Return to Learning Team Concept, strategies, readiness assessment, and assistance with prolonged symptoms

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. In 2010 2.5 million TBIs occurred either as an isolated injury or along with other injuries.

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.

National Resources

• Accommodations Guide for Students with Brain Injury- Brainline Kids
• Classroom Interventions for Students with Traumatic Brain Injuries- Brainline Kids
• Returning to School After a Traumatic Brain Injury- Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
• CDC Traumatic Brain Injury- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Traumatic Brain Injury- Center for Parent Information and Resources
• National Association of Special Education Teachers: Traumatic Brain Injury
  This site maintains a comprehensive list of TBI resources for parents and school personnel.