What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a common form of...brain injury, and can be caused by a direct or indirect hit to the head or body (for example, 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.
When a person suffers a concussion, the brain suddenly shifts or shakes inside the skull and can knock against the skull's bony surface. A hard hit to the body can result in an acceleration-deceleration injury when the brain brushes against bony protuberances inside the skull. Such forces can also result in a rotational injury in which the brain twists, potentially causing shearing of the brain nerve fibres.
Source: Parachute Canada
Useful Links:
Durham Region - General concussion information:
Watch the video Concussions 101, a Primer for Kids and Parents
Parachute Canada - General concussion information:
A concussion is a common form of...brain injury, and can be caused by a direct or indirect hit to the head or body (for example, 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.
When a person suffers a concussion, the brain suddenly shifts or shakes inside the skull and can knock against the skull's bony surface. A hard hit to the body can result in an acceleration-deceleration injury when the brain brushes against bony protuberances inside the skull. Such forces can also result in a rotational injury in which the brain twists, potentially causing shearing of the brain nerve fibres.
Source: Parachute Canada
Useful Links:
Durham Region - General concussion information:
- What is a concussion
- Second impact syndrome
- Preventing/managing concussions
- Advice on returning to school post concussion
- Regulations/information for sport organizations, coaches, educators, parents and health care professionals
Watch the video Concussions 101, a Primer for Kids and Parents
Parachute Canada - General concussion information:
- Signs and symptoms of a concussion
- What to do if you suspect a concussion
- Concussion Treatment
- Concussion Healing Time Varies
- Concussion Prevention
- Mandatory Baseline Testing Not Recommended
- Concussion Guide for Adults 65+
- Multilingual Concussion Resources
- Professional resource collection