Concussion Education Sheet
This vital resource is designed to educate athletes, parents, coaches, and sports organizations about the importance of concussion awareness, prevention, and management. Concussions are serious brain injuries that can have significant impacts on an athlete's health and performance.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion, knowing when to suspect one, and taking the appropriate steps for treatment and recovery are crucial for the safety and well-being of all athletes. Our education sheet provides comprehensive information on what concussions are, how they occur, and the best practices for returning to school and sports safely. By equipping everyone with this knowledge, we aim to foster a safer sporting environment and ensure that athletes receive the care they need to recover fully and return to their activities with confidence.
If you suspect a concussion, the experienced clinicians at the Sport Manitoba Clinic are here to help. Book an appointment to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a common form of head and brain injury and can be caused by a direct or indirect hit to the head or body (e.g., a car crash, fall, or sport injury). This causes a change in brain function, which results in a variety of symptoms. With a concussion there is no visible injury to the structure of the brain, meaning that tests like MRI or CT scans usually appear normal.
What actually happens?
When a person suffers a concussion, the brain suddenly shifts or shakes inside the skull. It is not yet known exactly what happens to brain cells in a concussion, but the mechanism appears to involve a change in biological functioning. In the minutes to days following a concussion, brain cells remain in a vulnerable state. New research emphasizes that the problem may not be the structure of the brain tissue itself, but how the brain is working. The exact length of this change is unclear. During this time, the brain does not function normally on a temporary basis and is more vulnerable to a second head injury.
How do concussions occur?
Most concussions occur as a result of a collision with another object while the object or person is moving at a high rate of speed. Forces such as these (and others) can result in concussions.
Who do I tell?
It is important to seek medical assessment immediately after a high-impact hit to the head or body. Often, concussions can go untreated (and even unnoticed by others) because symptoms are unreported or unrecognized. Although symptoms may not be immediately apparent, it is important to be aware of possible physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. Symptoms may actually worsen throughout the day of the injury or even the next day. Without proper management, a concussion can result in persistent symptoms that can seriously affect one's quality of life. A concussion can occur in sport and non-sport settings, so it is important that others be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussions in order to help identify the injury in others. Individuals should be removed immediately from the current activity (including sports, work and school), should not drive, and seek medical attention immediately.
What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
Following a concussion, individuals may experience many different signs and symptoms. A symptom is something the athlete will feel, whereas a sign is something friends, family or a coach may notice. It is important to remember that some symptoms may appear right away and some may appear later. No two concussions are the same. The signs and symptoms may be a little different for everyone. Some may be subtle and may go unnoticed by you as the injured person, co-workers, friends and family.
What's the screening and diagnosis process?
Most concussions recover completely with proper rest and management in a week or two, but concussions that are not diagnosed can lead to long-term and more serious health implications. The first and most important step is to consult a medical doctor, preferably one familiar with concussion management. There are many potential factors that may help to inform individual diagnosis, concussion management and recovery. Return to activity while still concussed and experiencing symptoms can lead to more intense symptoms and a prolonged recovery. Diagnosing a concussion may take several steps. A medical doctor may ask questions about concussion and work/sport history, other recent injuries, and will conduct a physical and neurological exam. This can include checking your memory and concentration, vision, coordination and balance. Further tests may include a CT scan or MRI, but these are rarely necessary to make a clinical diagnosis of concussion. Sometimes the role of neuropsychological testing is important in identifying subtle cognitive (e.g., memory, concentration) problems caused by the concussion and may at times help to plan return to pre-injury activity.
When should I return to activity?
Working under the supervision of a medical doctor, concussed individuals wishing to resume physical activitiy must follow the graduated stages of recovery as detailed within the “Return to Sport” strategies. Concussed individuals should work with their medical doctor to obtain guidance on making a safe and gradual return to sport activities
Prevention
It is important to take a preventive approach when dealing with concussions. This is especially true after a recent concussion. Prevention of concussions and head injuries is most successful when teammates and colleagues are properly educated and the safety rules of the working and sporting environment are enforced. Respect for the mutual safety of others must be highlighted. Because concussions are an invisible injury, it is important to share concussion information with others – to inform them of the injury and provide information education on concussions.
Protective equipment can reduce the risk and severity of the head injury. It is important to have a good quality, properly fitted hard hat/helmet for work environments and collision sports.
