Concussion Introduction (Detailed Version)

Concussion: Any blow to the head, face, neck, or a blow to the body that shakes your head could cause a concussion. Concussions can’t be seen on X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. It can cause a variety of symptoms.

Physical

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Ringing in the ears

• Balance problems

• Feeling tired

• Low energy

• Drowsiness

• “Don’t feel right.”
  

Cognitive

• Not thinking clearly

• Feeling slowed down

• Feeling like “in a fog”

• Problems concentrating

• Memory problems
  

Emotional

• Easily upset or angered

• Sadness

• Nervous or anxious

• Feeling more emotional
  

Sleep

• Sleeping more or less than usual

• Having a hard time falling asleep

What to do:

You should stop the activity right away. You should be checked out by a medical doctor.

Red flags

• Neck pain or tenderness

• Double vision

• Weakness or tingling in the arms or legs

• Severe or increasing headache

• Seizure

• Loss of consciousness (knocked out)

• Deteriorating the conscious state

• Vomiting more than once

• Increasingly restless, agitated or combative

• Confusion

If any red flag symptoms are present, call an ambulance right away. These may be signs of a more serious injury.

When should I go to the doctor?

Anyone with a possible head injury should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with a concussion, your doctor should schedule a follow-up visit with you within the next one to two weeks.

You should go back to the doctor immediately if, after being told you have a concussion, you have worsening symptoms, such as:

• being more confused

• headache that is getting worse

• vomiting more than twice

• not waking up

• having any trouble walking

• having a seizure

• strange behaviour

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Concussion treatment

After an initial short period of rest (24 to 48 hours), light cognitive and physical activity can begin, as long as these don’t worsen your symptoms. The symptoms of a concussion usually last one to four weeks but may last longer. In some cases, it can take weeks or months to heal.

As you’re recovering from a concussion, you should not do any activities that may make your symptoms worse. This might mean limiting exercising, driving, and screen time on your phone or other devices. If mental activities (e.g., reading, using the computer) worsen your symptoms, you might have to stay home from school or work.

Recovering from a concussion is a process that takes patience. Going back to activities before you are ready is likely to make your symptoms worse, and your recovery may take longer.

General recommendations for concussion recovery include a short rest period, followed by a gradual return to activity under the supervision of a medical professional. Depending on the symptoms and how a person's condition improves, caring for a concussion can involve a variety of treatments to manage symptoms and a team of health professionals.

Concussion prevention

The most effective way to prevent concussions is to avoid incidents that cause concussions, such as falls and motor vehicle collisions.

Concussion prevention in sports and recreation includes:

• Respecting and following the rules of the sport or activity, especially rules that are in place to reduce hits to the head

• Wearing properly fitted equipment, such as the proper footwear to prevent falls

• Training, practicing and playing in ways that are appropriate for your skill level

• Developing and enforcing policies and rules in sports to prevent injury, such as a minimum body checking age in hockey. According to current research, these kinds of policies are the most effective way to avoid sport-related concussions.

Helmets are essential protective equipment for many sports and activities. They can prevent serious head injuries, but they have not been proven in order to avoid concussions.