Concussion Protocol

A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is caused by a force applied directly or indirectly to the skull that results in the rapid acceleration and/or deceleration of the brain. This sudden change in cerebral velocity creates the mechanism of injury that leads to altered neurological functioning, commonly associated with a concussion. The Eanes ISD Sports Medicine Department, under the direct supervision of a physician licensed by the state of Texas, strives to provide student-athletes with the highest quality of health care. As licensed medical professionals, athletic trainers receive comprehensive didactive and clinical training in concussion management. Therefore, out athletic training staff is responsible for managing the cases of all high school student-athletes who sustain a concussion in UIL athletics. The athletic training staff also assists the middle school nurses with any concussions from middle school athletics. Students who sustain a concussion in non-UIL sports, or who do not participate in athletics, will have their cases managed entirely by our school nurses.

Concussions have a variety of signs and symptoms which can range from mild to debilitating and may manifest differently in each individual case. Common signs and symptoms of a concussion may include, but are not limited to, headache, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light/noise, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping.

The Eanes ISD Concussion Management Policy is designed to streamline the safe, effective, and objective management of concussions sustained by students. By following this protocol, Eanes ISD aims to provide a standardized method of managing concussions to prioritize student safety, ensure a safe return-to-play, and to support students academically. Eanes ISD also recognizes that each concussion and student may have a unique path to recovery. By managing concussions individually, and considering each student’s medical history, it allows the supervising physician, athletic trainer, and nurse to ensure the safety and well-being of each student that is recovering from a concussion.

Through continually evaluating concussion management best practice, Eanes ISD aims to prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of its student-athletes. In addition, this protocol complies with HB 2038, the UIL’s concussion management protocol, and TEC Section 38.153.