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Concussions and Brain Injuries: What YOU need to know DEB ANGUS | June 17, 2014

What is Concussion? The term concussion conjures up the image of someone knocked unconscious while playing sports But concussions—temporary loss of brain function—can happen with any head injury Often without any loss of consciousness

How does the Brain Become Injured? Blunt force trauma Blast effects Bleeding in the brain Infections in the brain Toxic exposure Fluid build-up in the brain Brain tumours Stroke Lack of oxygen Sudden acceleration / deceleration / rotation

Average Age for Concussion? 15 years old? 25? 30? Average age for concussion in Canada is 10

45% Causes of Concussion? 5% 10% 10% 30% Auto accidents Crime / assaults / abuse Sports /recreational / Playground accidents Occupational accidents Falls Auto accidents 10% 10% 30% 45%

Symptoms of Concussion? Headache Blurred vision Balance & dizziness issues Slurred speech Memory problems Sleep problems Nausea Seizures

CONCUSSION HEADACHE NAUSEA If you think you have a Don’t hide it. Report it. Take time to recover. BALANCE PROBLEMS OR DIZZINESS DOUBLE OR FUZZY VISION SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT OR NOISE FEELING SLUGGISH FEELING FOGGY OR GROGGY CONCENTRATION OR MEMORY PROBLEMS CONFUSION

How Long do the Symptoms Last? Generally anywhere from a few days to possibly 2-3 weeks Depends on your age, the level of concussion, and if any prior injuries Anything longer and you could be dealing with a more serious injury—i.e. mild or moderate brain injury

Do Helmets Prevent Concussion? NO… Helmets prevent catastrophic skull fractures Helmets do not prevent the brain from sloshing around inside the skull You may end up with mild brain injury instead of severe brain injury

Do Helmets Prevent Concussion?

How often are Concussions Undiagnosed? The quick answer is… too often 30% of the time according to research This is important for coaches, teachers & parents alike The impact of an additional concussion is more severe than the first it takes patients longer to recover from second or third concussions

When does a Concussion Become a Brain Injury? Concussion is a brain injury Concussions are cumulative throughout your lifetime Repeated concussions can lead to permanent brain damage

When does a Concussion Become a Brain Injury? How many concussions are too many? 3-4 seems to be the limit After that, you will be dealing with longer recovery times and possible life-long deficits and physical effects

Who are affected by Brain Injury? Athletes – football, hockey, wrestling, boxing Military – blast effects Children – can set them up for life-long health issues & life failures from poor choices The elderly – the most under serviced group No one is immune from brain injury

Who are affected by Brain Injury? Brain injury affects not only the injured person, but everyone around them Family roles are changed Careers are altered or threatened Financial difficulties Depression & suicide Downward spiral

Medical Assistance for Brain Injury Rehabilitation & Counselling Compensatory strategies Can be dealing with deficits for several years or possibly life-long Expected recovery is never 100%

Brain Injury does not only happen to star athletes…

Brain Injury happens to everyday people every 3 minutes in Canada

Here are a few examples HOW this can happen… Brain Injury happens to everyday people every 3 minutes in Canada

Is there a cure for Brain Injury? The only cure for brain injury is… PREVENTION!

Closing Thoughts… Educate yourself & family about concussions & brain injuries Recognize the symptoms Keep a concussion diary for yourself, children & other family members Report incidents to health care professionals

And… Remember We are carrying precious cargo atop our shoulders Treat your brain with respect Your health & life could depend on it!

Questions / Comments ?

How to Prevent a Brain Injury: Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle Always buckle your child into a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt (according to the child's height, weight, and age) in the car Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs Eliminate habits of distracted driving! Pay attention when behind the wheel Wear a helmet and make sure your children wear helmets when: Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle Playing a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing Using in-line skates or riding a skateboard Batting and running bases in baseball or softball Riding a horse Skiing or snowboarding Keep firearms stored unloaded in a locked cabinet or safe. Store bullets in a separate secured location

How to Prevent a Brain Injury: Avoid falls in the home: Use a step stool with a grab bar to reach objects on high shelves Install handrails on stairways Install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around Remove tripping hazards such as small area rugs and loose electrical cords;  Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower Maintain a regular exercise program to improve strength, balance, and coordination Visit an eye doctor regularly for a vision check to help lower the risk of falling Ensure the surface on your child's playground is made of shock-absorbing material, rubber or foam, mulch, or sand

For Further Information Brain Injury Association of Canada http://biac-aclc.ca BrainTrust Canada http://www.braintrustcanada.com Parachute Canada http://www.parachutecanada.org Think First Canada http://www.thinkfirst.ca TBI Survival Guide http://www.tbiguide.com