Concussion Management

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can occur from a fall or a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to shift and collide with the skull. The health and wellness of students are important factors that influence learner achievement. The Maine Department of Education, in conjunction with families, educators, healthcare providers, and coaches, is committed to helping students prevent, manage, and recover from concussions. The model policy was updated in 2019 along with many new resources for schools and students.

The Concussion Management Resource Guide was updated in 2024 to align with recommendations by the International Conference on Concussion in Sport (Patricios, 2023). 

Resources: Concussion Awareness Now

Assessment Tools: The following standardized tools are designed for use by healthcare professionals. 

• For individuals over age 13, the SCAT6 may be used as a baseline assessment or post-injury assessment within 3 days of injury. 
• For children 8-12 years of age, the Child SCAT6 may be used post-injury for up to 7 days.
• For individuals over 13, the Sports Concussion Office Assessment Tool (SCOAT6) may be used for ongoing assessment after 3 days post-injury. 

Model Policy

• Model Policy (last updated 2019)
• LD 1873, Enacted May 21, 2012
• Title 20-A MRS §254(17) Duty to provide Model Policy

Concussion Reporting

• An Act To Protect the Health of Student Athletes by Requiring the Department of Education To Report on the Incidence of Concussions
  • Report to 131st Legislature, January 10, 2023
  • Report to 131st Legislature, January 31, 2024 

Approved Training

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HEADS UP 
  - For School Professionals 
  - For Athletic Trainers 
  - For Healthcare Providers
• Brain Injury Association of America Training for Health Professionals
  Understanding Concussion: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Approaches Certificate Course
• National Federation of State High School Associations
  Training for Coaches, School Staff, and Parents 
  Training for Students 

Sample Forms

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Before participating in a school athletic activity, all students and the student’s legal parent or guardian must be informed of signs and symptoms of concussion and the school’s policy for the management of concussive and other head injuries and sign a statement acknowledging that review.

Schools may choose to notify all students and parents of the risk of concussions and the local school policy. Sample language has been provided as a stand-alone document or as inclusion within a student/parent handbook.

• Parent Information and Acknowledgement Sample
• U.S. CDC Fact Sheet for Parents

Sample Protocols

• Concussion Management Team
• Return to Learn Strategy
• School Accommodations for Post-Concussion
• Return to Physical Activity Strategy
• Symptom Monitoring Tool: Teacher/Academic