1. REMINDER PLEASE:
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Thank you!

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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%

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

9. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Do Helmets Prevent Concussion?

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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%

20. Brain Injury does not only happen to star athletes…

21. Brain Injury happens to everyday people every 3 minutes in Canada

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

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

25. 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

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

27. Questions / Comments ?

28. 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

29. 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

30. For Further Information
Brain Injury Association of Canada
BrainTrust Canada
Parachute Canada
Think First Canada
TBI Survival Guide