Seeing a Physician

If you are going to get an evaluation for a concussion I recommend you either go to your primary care doctor or a recommended neurologist. Do not go to the ER if it is not an emergency situation. More often than not the doctors in the ER do not have much experience with concussion and will only refer you somewhere else anyway after you have waited to see someone.

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Your physician may want to know our protocols.

RETURN TO LEARN PROTOCOL

Most students who sustain concussions don’t experience prolonged difficulty in the classroom. Students who are struggling with attendance in school and homework may need temporary informal academic adjustments in the initial phase of recovery, but few will go on to need more formalized accommodations. These accommodations should be made by your treating healthcare professional  and will require documentation. The Concussion Oversight Team includes a school counselor who will  communicate necessary actions to the student’s teachers to implement individualized recommendations for their Return To Learn Protocol. The Return to Learn Protocol must be completed before the student can begin the Return to Play protocol. If you notice that your child is having academic difficulties, please contact their school counselor.

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GRADUAL RETURN TO EXERTION PROTOCOL

Growing literature is demonstrating positive outcomes for sooner initiation of graduated exertion activity in a safe and controlled environment. This is determined on an individual basis, pending symptom load. Clearance to this activity will be determined by your treating healthcare professional. To clarify, this is separate from the Return to Play process and does not necessarily mean your athlete is ready to return to sport.  

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REQUIREMENTS TO BEGIN 5-STEP RETURN TO FULL ACTIVITY 

1. Complete full day of school work, without PE or other exertion. 

2. In order to begin Step 1, the student must have completed the Return to Learn Protocol and must complete one full day of school, symptom-free, with no academic accommodations. 

3. Must provide written clearance from a physician to start 5-Step return to play 

4. Parent has returned the signed IHSA form.

GRADUAL 5-STEP RETURN TO FULL ACTIVITY PROTOCOL 

Step 1 – Light Aerobic Activity: 10-15 minutes to increase heart rate. No lifting. 

Step 2 – Moderate Aerobic Exercise: 15-30 minutes, increase cardio output (Jogging, bike, elliptical, treadmill) 

Step 3 – Non-Contact Drills: sport specific drills. May begin lifting. (Full PE period only non-contact drills, resistance training OK) 

Step 4 – Full Contact practice: Normal Training. 

Step 5 – Return to Game.

All students must remain 24 hour symptom free to progress to the next Step; If symptoms recur, the athlete must return to the previous level.

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If you do not have our forms please print them so your physician can fill them out then please return them to us.