Concussion Information for Parents & Caregivers
Hastings Girls High School - Ngā Rau Huia O Ākina has a concussion management process in place to support students. All incidents outside of school must be reported to the concussion manager (Director of Sports) who will oversee the management of return to learn and play, in conjunction with your child’s year level dean.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by impact to the head or body. You do not need to be unconscious to be concussed, and even minor impacts can cause a concussion. With rest, concussions usually resolve quickly, but the recovery process must be gradual and guided by symptoms. Plenty of rest and following medical advice will support a fast recovery from concussion and avoid potential re-injury. It is important to seek medical treatment quickly if any symptoms occur or are prolonged. It is also important to get professional medical advice before returning to sport.

If your child has been knocked unconscious, or experience any of the following, they need immediate medical treatment. This could indicate injury other than concussion.

- Neck pain
- Double vision
- Increasing confusion
- Repeated vomiting (more than once)
- Tingling in the arms
- Bad or worsening headaches
- Deceasing levels of consciousness

How to manage concussion:

During the first two hours, it is important not to leave your child alone. Then, monitor your child for any signs and symptoms over 48 hours. There is no need to wake your child or limit their sleep – rest is important to recovery. If you notice any of the following, contact your GP, urgent doctor or seek medical advice as soon as possible.

- Neck pain or headaches
- Dizziness or poor balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or seeing stars
- Difficulty with light or sound
- Confusion or fogginess
- Feeling extra irritable, angry, sad or other emotions beyond usual
- Ringing in ears
- Fatigued/tired or difficulty concentrating

It is important to act on symptoms, as ignoring them will prolong recovery.

What is the recovery process?
8 hours after an injury, it is important your child has complete rest both physically and cognitively. This means no physical activity, sport or practices of any kind, and limiting screentime, concentration, schoolwork, noise, alcohol and driving. Your child may sleep a lot during this time and take time away from social gatherings. After this, light mental and physical activity can begin, as long as symptom free. Follow the Return to Learn process, ensuring that if symptoms get worse to go back a stage – make sure your children don’t rush through stages, as this can prolong recovery times. Please be aware of your child’s mental health during their recovery. Talk to your child, and if you have any issues or concerns contact a medical professional, mental health provider or your school's concussion manager (Director of Sports) to seek appropriate support.