Protecting Students from Head Injuries and Concussions
Children and youth are active, which means they have a higher risk of sustaining a concussion. Concussions can happen at any time — not only during sports, but also during everyday school activities.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is committed to protecting students from head injuries and concussions. When a head injury is suspected or diagnosed, we respond promptly and carefully. Early recognition and appropriate response are critical to a student’s recovery.
How Concussions Happen
A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.
A student does not need to hit their head directly to sustain a concussion. For example, a sudden force to the body — such as being pushed or falling — can cause the head to move quickly back and forth (similar to whiplash), resulting in a concussion.
Recognizing the Signs of a Concussion
Signs and symptoms of a concussion may appear right away or develop hours or days after the injury. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may last for days, weeks, or longer.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Headache, pressure in the head, dizziness, or balance problems.
- Loss of consciousness, confusion, or memory loss.
- Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or remembering.
- Changes in mood or behaviour (e.g., irritability, sadness, anxiety).
- Drowsiness or changes in sleep patterns.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light or sound.
Do You Need to Find a Concussion Form? Access It Now ›
Do You Need to Find a Concussion Form? Access It Now ›
What Happens at School
School staff follow specific procedures when a concussion is suspected or medically diagnosed.
If a student experiences a head or body impact and shows possible signs or symptoms of a concussion, staff use a standardized assessment checklist to guide next steps. Parents/guardians are notified as required.
Students who are suspected of having a concussion are removed from activities that could place them at risk of further injury. Students with a medically diagnosed concussion are supported and monitored as they progress through the required recovery stages.
If a concussion is suspected, the OCSB requires that the student undergo a medical assessment.
Following a head or body injury, students may continue with learning at school using appropriate supports while symptoms are monitored.
Physical activities that could place the student at risk of further injury are restricted until medical guidance is provided.
Only a medical doctor or nurse practitioner can diagnose a concussion.
Recovery: Return to Learn & Return to Physical Activity
Recovery from a concussion involves a gradual, stage approach known as Return to Learn and Return to Physical Activity.
Parents/guardians and school staff work together to monitor symptoms and support the student using approved forms and tracking tools.
Return to Learn
Following a concussion, students require an initial period of relative rest (typically 24–48 hours), followed by a gradual return to learning activities as tolerated.
Temporary adjustments may be needed, such as reduced workload, rest breaks, or modified expectations, to support recovery while symptoms are present.
Return to Physical Activity
After a suspected or diagnosed concussion, students are removed from activities that could lead to another head injury (for example: recess play, physical education, and sports).
Students return to physical activity gradually, as symptoms improve and the Return to Physical Activity plan is followed.
A medical doctor or nurse practitioner must provide medical direction when required by the plan, including before a student returns to full participation.
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Not sure what to do if your child may have a concussion?
For more detailed information, the Support Document for Concussion-Related Brain Injuries includes tools and resources for prevention, identification, and management. View Support Document ›
