Concussion Care Guide

Concussions are a serious public health issue in Canada, affecting individuals of all ages. Early recognition, proper medical assessment, and appropriate management can significantly improve recovery outcomes. However, Canadians need straightforward, reliable information about concussion care and prevention.

Why Concussions Matter

• A Public Health Concern: Unintentional injuries, including concussions, are the leading cause of death among Canadians aged 1 to 34 and rank as the fourth leading cause of death overall.

• Predictable and Preventable: The majority of these injuries can be avoided with suitable preventive measures.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that requires serious attention. Individuals can recover and return to their favourite activities with the right steps. Understanding the causes, signs, and recovery process is key to effective management.

Steps for Concussion Prevention and Care

1. Preventing Concussions in Sports and Activities

Learn how to reduce the risk of concussion in your specific sport or activity.

Don’t let the fear of concussions deter you from physical activities—prevention works!

2. Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Concussion symptoms can vary and may appear hours after an injury.

Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or changes in mood or behaviour.

Always check for symptoms after a significant impact to the head, face, neck, or body.

3. Encourage Communication

Encourage athletes or participants to speak up if they suspect a concussion.

Trusted adults like parents, coaches, or teachers should be informed immediately.

4. Gradual Return to Activities

Follow a step-by-step plan for returning to school, work, and sports.

Rushing back to activities can delay recovery and lead to long-term effects.

5. You Are Not Alone

A support network of people and resources exists to help individuals heal from concussions.

The Role of Stakeholders in Concussion Management

While a licensed healthcare professional must make a formal diagnosis, everyone involved in sports—including athletes, parents, coaches, and teachers—plays a role in recognizing and reporting potential concussions. Licensed healthcare professionals may not always be available in many sports venues, making awareness and vigilance crucial.

Understanding Baseline Testing

Many parents, coaches, and educators wonder whether baseline testing is necessary. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Baseline Testing is Not Mandatory

Baseline testing is not required for post-injury care of youth athletes and is not generally recommended.

2. Focus on Recognize and Remove

Resources should prioritize processes to identify and remove individuals from play when a concussion is suspected.

3. Medical Assessment is Critical

A licensed healthcare professional experienced in concussion management should assess the individual immediately.

Prevention Works!

Concussion prevention is more effective than ever due to improved laws, safer products, and better education. Here are some key ways to further reduce the risk:

·      Safer Road Design: Implement better road construction and safety measures.

·      Regulation Enforcement: Ensure policies that promote health and safety are upheld.

·      Safer Homes: Improve household safety to reduce risks of injury.

·      Best Practices: Follow established safety practices across all environments.

Final Thoughts

Concussions are serious but manageable with the right knowledge and approach. By taking preventive measures, recognizing symptoms, and promoting recovery, Canadians can reduce the impact of concussions and continue to enjoy active, healthy lives.

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Reference

Public Health Agency of Canada. “Concussions: Prevention, Recognition, and Management.” Government of Canada, 2024, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/injury-prevention/concussions.html.