Head Injury and Concussion Care
Colorado School of Mines
This is a general resource for students, athletes, staff and faculty to support students who may have experienced a head injury or concussion.
In non-emergency situations, students can connect with Mines Student Outreach and Support to receive holistic support and guidance regarding concussions or possible concussions.
What is a head injury/concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells (source: CDC Heads Up).
Because the brain is extraordinarily complex, every brain injury is different, and concussion symptoms vary from person to person. Concussions can impact a student’s ability to learn and may require academic adjustments and accommodations.
Providing appropriate support when students return to classes can prevent symptom exacerbation and lead to a quicker and more successful recovery (source: Concussion Alliance).
What are the symptoms of a head injury/concussion?
Common symptoms include:
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision
- Bothered by light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Confusion, or concentration or memory problems
- Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”
This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Heads Up.
What should be done if a head injury/concussion is suspected?
Seek medical attention immediately. In rare cases, a dangerous blood collection (hematoma) may form on the brain after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, squeezing the brain against the skull. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department if any of the following danger signs are present:
- One pupil is larger than the other
- Drowsiness or inability to wake up
- Worsening headache
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions, or seizures (shaking or twitching)
- Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
- Loss of consciousness ((brief or prolonged)
Learn more at CDC Heads Up.
Tips for Faculty
- Provide flexibility within course parameters when a student is experiencing a concussion
- Recognize that symptoms vary in severity and each student’s experience is unique
- Backlit screens can be challenging for individuals with concussions to use for extended periods. Because of this, communication and access to course materials may be temporarily limited
- Provide class notes when possible
- Break assignments into smaller chunks if needed
- Allow for breaks during class
Can a medical evaluation be obtained on campus?
If a head injury or concussion is suspected and no danger signs are present, non-emergency medical options are available:
For the NCAA varsity athlete:
Athletes should follow the NCAA-mandated concussion management protocol. They should check in with their team’s Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) (Mines Concussion Policy).
Staff Contact Information: Mines Athletics Sports Medicine
All varsity student-athletes are under the care of a certified athletic trainer (ATC) while they are athletes at Mines. A suspected head injury should be reported immediately.
For the non-athlete, club sports athlete or recreational sports athlete:
Students should get medical care through the Student Health Center, a primary care provider, urgent care, or a hospital emergency room. Club sports athletes should also inform their Certified Athletic Trainer (when applicable) and contact the Senior Director of Intramural & Club Sports (303-273-3646).
The Student Health Center is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and closed on holidays and during campus closures.
What should be done if the injury occurs after hours?
When the Student Health Center is closed, urgent and emergency care providers in the community can provide immediate care. In a medical emergency, call 911.
Refer to After-Hours Care for more information.
How should students take care of themselves after a head injury or concussion?
Most individuals recover from a concussion within a few weeks, but for some, symptoms may persist for a month or longer. Symptoms may appear during the healing process or upon returning to normal activities. If symptoms worsen, medical care should be sought immediately. Find more information on CDC Heads Up website.
Regular check-ins with the Health Center or athletic training staff during recovery help monitor symptoms and track progress.
What should be known about returning to academic activities?
Most students will be advised to rest for 2-3 days after the injury, as symptoms like headaches and fatigue are most severe during this period. Both physical and cognitive rest are important to aid recovery. Cognitive rest involves limiting activities that require concentration, which can aggravate symptoms. The goal is to gradually increase activities without worsening symptoms. Learn more on the CDC Back to School Handout.
Return to Learn:
The process of returning to academic work is called return-to-learn. It involves gradually increasing the amount of schoolwork based on symptom severity.
Post-concussion next steps and procedures:
- Step 1: Medical Evaluation
Clearance should be provided by the Student Health Center or a local medical provider with experience in concussion evaluation and management.
- Step 2: Academic Management:
Referral to SOS Office
After a concussion evaluation, students should be referred to the SOS Office for care coordination and support. NCAA varsity athletes will work directly with their Certified Athletic Trainer who will provide additional resources to the student.
Notifying Faculty
Students can use the Mines Excused Absence Form or work with the SOS Office to notify professors about the injury. This communication will be sent through the Excused Absence platform, and information can also be shared with on-campus supervisors if needed.
Follow-up and Recovery Monitoring
Students should regularly monitor their progress during recovery. Key symptoms to watch for include difficulty concentrating, recalling information, answering questions, memory issues, confusion about assignments, inability to complete routine tasks, being easily distracted, trouble following directions, and sensitivity to light or noise.
Ongoing Communication with SOS Office
Students will have the opportunity to update the SOS Office on their progress. It’s important that students honestly report any setbacks or concerns with their recovery so appropriate support can be provided.
Example Faculty Notification
“Dear [Professor’s Name],
I am writing regarding [Student Name], who is cc’d here. [Student Name] recently sustained a concussion and is receiving medical support. As you know, concussions can make it difficult to concentrate, recall information, and use backlit screens for extended periods. [Student Name] understands that it is up to your course policy how missed classes and assignments are handled. They hope to complete the course successfully and will follow up with you individually. Any flexibility you can offer during their recovery is appreciated. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your understanding.”
Alternatively, an excused absence notification can be sent, stating that the student sustained a concussion and will miss a certain amount of time. Upon returning, the student will work with faculty to make up missed assignments or exams.
The student should be copied on this communication and provided additional resources, including DSS.
Long-term Impact
For more severe or long-lasting concussions, it may be necessary to consider dropping or withdrawing from classes. As with other unforeseen medical situations, this path may best support a student’s long-term well-being and health. Before making this decision, students should consult their medical provider, professors, CASA Advisor, SOS Office, and DSS to explore all options for accommodations and support.
Return to Sport: Protocol for Athletes
Athletes should not return to sports before they are cleared to return to academic activities. Athletic trainers will guide students through a six-step return-to-sport process (Mines Concussion Policy)
Campus resources Available
The following list of Mines resources and external resources are available to assist students who experience a head injury or concussion and may benefit from support. The same resources may be recommended by Student Outreach and Support (SOS) as they assist students in recovery.
Varsity Athletes
(for academic-related support)
Associate Athletic Director of Compliance & Student Services
303-273-3206
Staff Directory – Colorado School of Mines Athletics
Club Sports Athletes
Senior Director of Intramural & Club Sports
303-273-3646
Staff Directory – Colorado School of Mines Athletics
For Student Employees
(for employment assistance)
Mines Human Resources – Human Resources
hr@mines.edu
Student Outreach and Support (SOS)
Student Outreach & Support (SOS) helps students manage concussion symptoms by coordinating with faculty, providing excused absences, and creating recovery plans. To connect with SOS, submit a referral, and a Case Manager will respond within 24 business hours. SOS supports students with both short- and long-term symptoms. For more severe or prolonged issues, students may need to explore options like dropping a course, taking a leave of absence, withdrawing, or seeking financial relief.
Excused Absence by Student Life
The Student Life Office manages the Excused Absence process. Students can submit an excused absence request for an absence of four or more days. If a student is unsure which type of absence to pursue, please have them contact SOS. Once submitted, staff from Student Life and/or SOS will issue the excused absence or reach out for further information and/or to provide support.
For more prolonged return-to-learn cases (more than two weeks), students should be referred to Disability Support Services. Students are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services to discuss ongoing accommodations and support that may be needed during their recovery period. Since each person’s recovery period is unique, DSS works individually with students to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations.
Betsy’s Friends Peer Educators
Peer educators are trained in peer listening and stigma reduction and can be a valuable resource to those struggling with the stress of a concussion. Peer educators are not specifically trained in concussion management but can provide general support. They work closely with the Office of Student Wellness Promotion, Sexual Harassment & Assault Advocacy, Prevention & Education (SHAPE) and the Counseling Center.
Difficulties with sadness, anxiety, focus, and sleep can worsen following a head injury. The Counseling Center is here to assist and help students manage any impact during the recovery process.
Center for Academic Services and Advising (CASA)
Difficulties with sadness, anxiety, focus, and sleep can worsen following a head injury. The Counseling Center is here to assist and help students manage any impact during the recovery process.
The SHC offers evaluation, diagnosis, and management of concussions. Orders for x-ray, CT/MRI imaging and referral to specialty care providers (such as neurology, ophthalmology, physical therapy, and psychiatry) are also available.
What are some additional resources for information on head injury/concussion care and management?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Heads Up
