Concussion Policy


Nov 23, 2024 02:11 AM


Concussion Policy
Approved August 1, 2023

Introduction
The Dance Conservatory of North Atlanta (TDC) is committed to a fair and safe
environment for all TDC members and participants.

Concussions can occur in daily activity as well as during any sport or recreational
activities – including dance. Concussions can have immediate and long-lasting effects
on an individual. Therefore, all concussions are considered serious. It is essential that
dancers, dance educators, dance coaches, parents, and healthcare providers learn the
signs and symptoms of concussion and what to do if a concussion occurs.

1. Definition of Concussion
1.1. Concussion refers to a disturbance in brain function caused by trauma to the
head or
body that can alter brain function. Even what might be considered a ‘mild’ bump, blow
or ‘ding’ to the head can result in severe consequences – serious consequences are
not limited only to those with loss of consciousness. Less than 10% of concussions
involve a loss of consciousness. ‘Mild’ impacts may affect the dancers’ ability to
perform daily mental and physical tasks, may result in changes to mood and
personality, and may reduce the dancers’ ability to safely participate in dance activity.
Each concussion is unique, and each affects the injured dancer in a different way.
1.2. Recognition and proper response to concussions when they first occur is
imperative to
help prevent further injury or even death.

2. Signs and Symptoms
2.1. A dancer may experience or demonstrate any of the signs or symptoms below after
sustaining a trauma to the head or body. Keys to identifying concussion include an
observed or reported forceful bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that results in
rapid movement of the head AND any changes in the dancer’s behaviour, thinking or
physical function. It is important to remember that you can’t ‘see’ a concussion and

that not all dancers will experience or report the symptoms right away. Some dancers
may wait for hours or even days after the injury to report a problem.

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Appears dazed or confused
Is confused
Forgetfulness
Is unsure of surroundings
Moves clumsily/is uncoordinated
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even
briefly)
Demonstrates behaviour, mood or
personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit or
fall
Can’t recall events after hit or fall
Seizures immediately after the hit
or fall

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Headache or pressure in head
Nausea, vomiting, numbness or
tingling
Balance problems or
dizziness Double or blurry
vision, ringing in the ears
Sensitivity to light and noise
Increased emotional
behaviour/irritability
Concentration or memory
problems Feeling sluggish, low
energy, foggy or groggy
Confusion

· Does not ‘feel right’ or
‘feeling down’
· Problems with insomnia or
excessive fatigue

2.2. Most individuals with a concussion will fully recover in a timely manner given early
and proper care. However, for some individuals, signs and symptoms of concussion
may last for days, weeks or longer and may be present during daily functioning, not
only with exercise or dance activity.
2.3. Research informs us that some aspects of cognition and the body’s balance system can
be affected for months following concussion. Dancers who experience any of the signs
or symptoms listed above following a trauma to the head or body should be
immediately kept out of dance participation and any activities that increase symptoms
until a licensed health care provider, experienced in evaluating concussion, says they
are symptom-free and that it is safe to return to activity. A repeat concussion that
occurs before the brain has recovered from the first trauma – usually within a short
time period (hours, days, weeks) – can slow the recovery process and/or increase the
chances for long-term problems. Thus the importance of monitoring and clearance by
a licenced healthcare provider trained in concussion management.

3. Initial Response to Suspected Concussion
3.1. If the dancer loses consciousness:
a) Dial 911
b) Do not move dancer.
c) A qualified healthcare provider or first aid responder should immediately perform
a primary survey to ensure the dancer’s airway, breathing and circulation are not
compromised, and to check for signs of additional injury.
d) Parents/guardians/next of kin should be contacted.
3.2. If the dancer is conscious:
a) A decision must be made to remove (or not remove) the dancer from the floor for
medical assessment. The responsibility for making this decision is prioritised as:
i) A qualified healthcare provider or first aid responder, if present; then
ii) The TDC Director; then
iii) The senior person in attendance.
b) If removed, the dancer should not be left alone.
c) Parents/guardians/next of kin should be contacted.
4. Management
4.1. Concussion management includes both physical and cognitive (mental) rest
until

symptoms resolve for all activities of daily living prior to returning to dance. If there is
any question whether a dancer should participate, the following should be adopted:
“When in doubt, sit them out.”
4.2. Monitoring for mental or physical deterioration over the initial few hours after
injury is
essential.
4.3. Restful sleep and relaxation is important. Like an injury, the injured body part
(in this
case the brain) needs rest from activity to promote healing.
4.4. DO NOT return to dance the same day as the injury, even if symptoms resolve.
4.5. DO return to dance only after being cleared by a licensed healthcare provider
experienced in concussion management, which may include a variety of tests
designed to assess brain function (neurocognitive tests).

5. Return to Dance
5.1. Once the dancer’s symptoms have resolved with daily activity, the dancer should
follow
a step-wise return to dance protocol. The dancer should only progress to the next
level if symptom free at the current level and if at any stage the dancer experiences a
recurrence of symptoms, he/she needs to return to the previous level of activity until
the symptoms resolve and should not try to progress for at least 24 hours.
5.2. Each step may take a minimum of one day, depending on the duration or recurrence of
symptoms. Dancers will progress through the following at differing rates:
a) No physical activity until the dancer is asymptomatic (has no symptoms) at rest
b) Light aerobic exercise (walking or stationary bike, but not resistance training)
c) Dance specific training, exercise and daily activities – no jarring movements
d) Non-contact dance training and return to cognitive skills (light reading and
computer work)
e) Full contact dance training after medical clearance (may include cognitive and
physical testing)
f) Return to unrestricted class, rehearsal, performance after medical clearance

5.3. A dancer may work with a number of licensed healthcare providers who will assist in
his/her recovery including certified athletic trainers, physiotherapists, sports medicine
physicians, neuro-psychologists, psychiatrists, and/or osteopaths.