Concussion Awareness

A concussion may occur with an injury to the head or brain. Symptoms include:

  • Headache and/or pressure in the head
  • Nausea
  • Balance problems
  • Dizziness
  • Double vision
  • Sensitivity to light/noise
  • Feeling slowed down, foggy or dazed
  • Confusion, difficulty concentrating

If you or someone around you has a concussion, seek help right away. A healthcare provider is important for recovery.  

Concussion Resources

In April 2018, Iowa's concussion law was updated.  While the REAP Concussion Manual and the Concussion Guidelines for Iowa Schools need to be updated to reflect the new requirements of the law, the guidance provided in these resources is evidence based and continue to be relevant. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa Department of Education are continuing to partner to bring information and tools to schools to support them as they implement concussion management protocols for return-to-learn and return-to-play.

Additional content is available and organized on this site by the audience, or "team", that is most likely to use that information. Regardless of your role, you may be interested in content found on one of the "team" pages. 

  • Academic Team (individuals at the school who will watch, monitor, and track the academic and emotional effects of concussion)
  • Physical Team (individuals at the school, or other settings, who will watch, monitor, and track the physical symptoms of the concussion)
  • Student/Family Team (individuals who support the student at home or may support the student as a primary advocate)
  • Medical Team (healthcare providers who will diagnose concussion, assess for complications, and consult with the school and home teams througout the return-to-learn and return-to-play process)

Iowa Concussion Speakers' Bureau

In 2018, a Concussion Speakers' Bureau was formed to provide information and training about mild brain injuries and concussion management across Iowa.  Their presentations are based on the REAP Concussion Management program and align with Iowa's current concussion law.  If you are interested in requesting a presentation for your organization, school, or community, please email the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa at icc@biaia.org.  

Are you a professional who has expertise in the evaluation and management of concussions and other brain injuries and is willing to share your time and talents?  Please consider joining the Speakers' Bureau by emailing the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa at icc@biaia.org.

Other Resources

Need information and support following a concussion?  The Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa is the Department of  Health and Human Services contract partner for NeuroResource Facilitation.  You can talk to one of their staff by calling 855-444-6443 or by emailing info@biaia.org.