National Concussion Awareness Day is September 20th



National Concussion Awareness Day was founded in 2016 by Brooke Mills, who suffered a concussion as a freshman in high school. National Concussion Awareness Day aims to create an opportunity for public discussion of the issue. We can positively impact lives by raising awareness of the importance of recognizing and treating a concussion appropriately and supporting the injured.  

A concussion is an injury to the brain that can change the way a person acts, thinks, and feels. Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions can occur when a sudden impact from a fall, bump, hit, or jolt causes the brain to bounce around or twist inside the skull. Falls are the number one cause of concussions. Concussions can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. Concussions can occur with or without loss of consciousness.  

Concussions and symptoms differ from person to person  You can experience physical symptoms (e.g., dizziness, confusion, headaches, vision issues, and nausea), cognitive symptoms (e.g., difficulty learning new information and slowed reaction times), emotional symptoms (e.g., easily irritated, more impulsive, and personality change), and/or sleep symptoms (e.g., interrupted sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and sleeping more). Symptoms may develop immediately or over time. 


At the start of the 2016-2017 school year, the North Carolina Return to Learn After Concussion policy (SHLT-001) became effective. This policy provides guidelines for ALL students to safely return to school after a concussion.  

Concussion Awareness Now has provided many resources to help spread the word and start the concussion conversation.  






Resources:

Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Injury Association of North Carolina
Concussion Awareness Now
International Concussion Society



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