Concussions
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination.
Everyone experiences concussion differently and recovery times can vary. For example, children and youth typically take longer than adults to recover from a concussion. For more information on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, in addition to the recommended steps for a gradual return to school, sports and physical activity, daily activities or work, please consult the sections below.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a common form of traumatic brain injury that can affect how your brain works. Concussions may happen because of any blow to the head, face or neck or a blow to the body that jars the head. When such a hit takes place, the brain may twist or move back and forth inside the skull. If this sudden movement is hard enough, the brain can become injured and can cause a variety of signs and symptoms.
Keep in mind that most concussions do not lead to a loss of consciousness since it occurs in less than 10% of cases. For more information and access to nationally recognized online courses, please consult the following resources developed by our injury prevention partners:
Resources
Concussion: The Basics (Parachute)
Concussion Guide for Parents and Caregivers (Parachute)
Concussion Guide for Athletes (Parachute)
What you need to know about concussion (Concussion Awareness Training Tool – BCIRPU)
Online Course for Players/Participants (Concussion Awareness Training Tool – BCIRPU)
Online Course for Parents/Caregivers (Concussion Awareness Training Tool – BCIRPU)
Concussion Ed App (Parachute)
Concussion Recognition
It is important to remember that a formal diagnosis of concussion can only be made following a medical assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner. However, anyone should be able to identify a suspected concussion, if they are using the right tool.
To help you with your efforts to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion both on and off the playing field, please consult the following resources:
Resources
Concussion Recognition Tool – 5th Edition (CRT5)
Tool to identify a suspected concussion (School Context)
Tool to identify a suspected concussion (Other Contexts)
Return to School
Following a concussion diagnosis, it is recommended to use a collaborative team approach to support the student during their recovery process with the participation of key individuals such as teachers, school staff, health care professionals, parents/caregivers and coaches. This is especially important since certain students may require personalized accommodations in school, which may be gradually decreased as their functioning improves.
Return to Sports/Physical Activity
As you know, coaches play an essential role in helping to encourage safe participation in physical activity. This includes taking steps to prevent concussions, knowing how to identify signs and symptoms and understanding how to follow the recommended steps towards a gradual return to sport or physical activity.
Resources
Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport (Parachute)
Return to Sport Strategy (For Healthcare Professionals and Coaches)
Return to Sport Strategy (Black/White)
Return to Sport Strategy (Colour)
Making Headway Concussion eLearning (Coaching Association of Canada)
Online Course for Coaches (Concussion Awareness Training Tool – BCIRPU)
Decision-Making Pathway (Concussion Awareness Training Tool – BCIRPU)
Return to Work / Daily Activities
Most people will fully recover following a concussion. However, it’s important to remember that concussion symptoms may get worse with excessive physical and mental exertion.
To help avoid a potentially lengthy recovery process, it is important to follow a healthcare provider’s advice to help guide you through each step of your personalized Return to Work Strategy. However, for those who do not have to spend time in a workplace setting, it is just as important to follow a progressive Return to Daily Activity Strategy.
For more information about each strategy, please consult the following resources:
Resources
Online course for workers and workplaces (Concussion Awareness Training Tool – BCIRPU)