By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
Concussion Awareness Week, held across Canada from September 25 to October 1, 2022, encourages everyone to get involved in preventing, recognizing, and managing concussions.
Any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that jars your head, could cause a concussion. When you don’t feel right, feel like you’re in a fog, are more emotional than usual, or are having a hard time falling asleep, check for these and more signs and symptoms of a concussion. Then, speak up! Tell a coach, parent, teacher or another trusted adult if you think you have a concussion.
Why Concussion Awareness Matters
Concussions are a serious public health issue affecting all Canadians. Early recognition of concussions, proper medical assessment, and appropriate management make a difference in recovery. Here are some simple ways you can make a difference, for yourself and others:
- Find out what you can do to prevent concussions in your sport or activity and know what to do if a concussion does happen. Don’t let the risk of getting a concussion keep you out of sport and physical activity.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion to help you recognize when someone might have a concussion. Not all people will show the same signs and symptoms, and they can show up hours after the injury.
- Check for signs and symptoms any time there is a significant impact to the head, face, neck or body. It only takes one sign or symptom to suspect a concussion!
- Encourage everyone to speak up about how they are feeling. Tell a coach, parent, teacher or another trusted adult if you think you might have a concussion.
- Follow the gradual stages for return to school, work and sport after a concussion. Returning to activities too quickly can slow recovery and bring on long-lasting effects.
- Learn to stay well and prevent injuries in returning to sport.
Resources
Concussions are a serious public health issue affecting all Canadians. Early recognition of concussions, proper medical assessment, and appropriate management make a difference in recovery. That’s why we want Canadians to know how to prevent concussions, how to care for one, and where to find good information.
- Complete a free learning module through the Concussion Awareness Training Tool
- Complete the Coaching Association of Canada’s free NCCP Making Head Way Concussion eLearning Series
- Download the free Concussion Ed app for information on the go
- Access SIRC’s concussion resources
- Sport Manitoba Concussion FAQ + education + return to play guidelines
- Sport Manitoba Concussion Conversations: A multi-faceted conversation around concussions in sport featuring a variety of athletes
- Sport Manitoba concussion video series
Concussion Care
If you suspect you have a concussion, the Sport Manitoba Clinic team can perform a comprehensive assessment if you have any of the following symptoms: dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, headaches, fatigue, or the inability to return to sport, school or work. We will assess your symptoms and risk factors to work with you to create a management plan that aligns with a return to sport, school, or work plan. sportmanitoba.ca/clinic/services/concussion-care
