Myth or Fact? Everyone with a concussion needs a CT scan or MRI right away? A concussion requires loss of consciousness? Male and female athletes have the same chance of sustaining a concussion? An athlete needs to be hit on the head to sustain a concussion? Drowsiness and fatigue are common symptoms of concussion? Children recover at the same rate as adults? Question 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 = myth Question 5 = fact

What is a Concussion? A concussion is a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function Concussion are not detected on routine X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs It affects the way an athlete may think and remember things, and can cause a variety of symptoms

What Causes a Concussion? Any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body which causes a sudden jarring of the head may cause a concussion Examples: a ball to the head, being checked into the boards in hockey

Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion

What Should You Do If An Athlete Gets A Concussion? The athlete should stop playing the sport right away If an athlete is knocked out, call an ambulance to take them to a hospital immediately. Do not move the athlete or remove athletic equipment, as there may also be a cervical spine injury; wait for paramedics to arrive Should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible that day They should not be left alone An athlete with a concussion should not go back to play that day, even if they say they are feeling better

Length of a Concussion The signs and symptoms of a concussion often last for 7-10 days but may last much longer. In some cases, athletes may take many weeks or months to heal. Having had previous concussions may increase the chance that a person may take longer to heal.

What is Second Impact Syndrome: Second Impact Syndrome: is a second blow to head before brain has healed from initial concussion Video

About Second Impact Syndrome An athlete who is recovering from a concussion, but who has not yet fully recovered, is at risk for second impact syndrome Typically, the athlete suffers post-concussion symptoms after the first head injury. Before these symptoms have cleared, which may take minutes, hours, days or weeks, the athlete returns to competition and receives a second blow to the head, This can cause massive swelling in the brain  Since the brain is contained inside the rigid bone of the skull, this swelling causes compression of the brain.  The brain is squeezed through small holes within the skull known as "herniation"  Herniation can lead to decreased blood flow to the brain, and ultimately, to the athlete's death

Returning to Your Sport Step 1: No activity, only complete rest. Limit school, work and tasks requiring concentration. Refrain from physical activity until symptoms are gone. Once symptoms are gone, a physician, preferably one with experience managing concussions, should be consulted before beginning a step wise return to play process. Step 2: Light aerobic exercise. Activities such as walking or stationary cycling. The player should be supervised by someone who can help monitor for symptoms and signs. No resistance training or weight lifting. The duration and intensity of the aerobic exercise can be gradually increased over time if no symptoms or signs return during the exercise or the next day. If symptoms occur? Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a physician.

Returning to your sport cont’d. Step 3: Sport specific activities. Activities such as skating or throwing can begin at step 3. There should be no body contact or other jarring motions such as high speed stops or hitting a baseball with a bat. Symptoms? Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a physician. Step 4: Begin Drills without body contact. No symptoms? The time needed to progress from non-contact exercise will vary with the severity of the concussion and with the player. Proceed to Step 5 only after medical clearance. Step 5: Begin drills with body contact. Step 6: Resume playing your sport the next day.

Questions

Resources Additional resources for Kids and Parents: Concussions 101, a Primer for Kids and Parents http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCCD52Pty4A http://www.parachutecanada.org/downloads/resources/Concussion-Parents-Caregivers.pdf