Concussion in Sport
In children and youth aged 5 to 19 years in Canada, 35% of concussions were attributed to sports. Source: Government of Canada.
Sports-related concussion is “among the most complex injuries in sports medicine to diagnose, assess and manage". Source: Brain Injury Canada.
Sports-related concussion is “among the most complex injuries in sports medicine to diagnose, assess and manage". Source: Brain Injury Canada.
What is a concussion
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by a traumatic event such as a blow to the head, a fall, a motor vehicle or sports related injury
- A Concussion is a TBI which can be caused by a sudden acceleration of the head and neck resulting from a blow or contact to the body. Concussions can occur from many different activities including sports.
- In Canada, concussions represent 80% to 95% of TBI's. Source: Government of Canada
diagnosing a concussion
- In Ontario, a registered doctor or nurse practitioner are the medical professionals qualified to assess your symptoms to determine if you have a concussion
- There is no formal test to officially diagnose a concussion
- Parachute Canada no longer recommends concussion baseline testing. See Statement on Concussion Baseline Testing in Canada – Parachute
Red flags - If any red flag symptoms are present, call an ambulance right away. These may be signs of a more serious injury:
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision
- Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
- Severe or increasing headache
- Seizure or convulsion
- Loss of consciousness (knocked out)
- Deteriorating conscious state
- Vomiting more than once
- Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
- Growing confusion
The following are some of the most common symptoms a person can experience with a concussion. NO two concussions are the same and you may experience some or all of these symptoms.
To learn more about the signs and symptoms of a concussion, see Concussion – Parachute.
sport concussion - did you know?
- You do not need to lose consciousness to have sustained a concussion
- Concussion symptoms aren't just physical. Cognitive, emotional and behavioural symptoms are also common
- Symptoms can appear immediately or, in some cases, days following the initial injury
- Concussion information is constantly evolving based on the latest research findings. For example:
- Parachute Canada no longer recommends concussion baseline testing. See Statement on Concussion Baseline Testing in Canada – Parachute
- Rest is no longer the best approach to concussion care. Current recommendations include up to 48 hours of relative physical and cognitive rest before starting a gradual return to activities. See https://www.parachute.ca/en/professional-resources/statement-on-concussion-baseline-testing-in-canada/
- The Canadian Concussion Centre (CCC) based at the Toronto Western Hospital (part of the Krembil Brain Institute at the University Health Network) regularly provides updates on concussion research and care led by internationally acclaimed concussion expert, Dr. Charles Tator. See Canadian Concussion Centre
- The CCC provided the following update in April 2024: The Canadian Concussion Centre Presents: 11th Annual Concussion Symposium - YouTube
managing a concussion in sport
In children and youth aged 5 to 19 years in Canada, 35% of concussions were attributed to sports. Source: Government of Canada.
The Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport has been developed to ensure that athletes with a suspected concussion receive timely and appropriate care, and proper management to allow them to return to their sport. This guideline is intended for use by all people who have a role interacting with athletes inside and outside the context of school-based and non-school based organized sports activity, including athletes, parents/caregivers, coaches, officials, teachers, trainers and licensed healthcare professionals.
See: Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport – Parachute
The Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport has been developed to ensure that athletes with a suspected concussion receive timely and appropriate care, and proper management to allow them to return to their sport. This guideline is intended for use by all people who have a role interacting with athletes inside and outside the context of school-based and non-school based organized sports activity, including athletes, parents/caregivers, coaches, officials, teachers, trainers and licensed healthcare professionals.
See: Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport – Parachute
It may be difficult to get back to your daily routine after a concussion as symptoms can be physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural. Symptoms may also change over time. Concussion is also described as an 'invisible' injury as you may look 'fine' to others, although you are struggling inside. Know that you are not alone!
Support strategies may include, but are not limited to:
See Concussion Network Ontario: Patient-Education-Resource-Booklet_Final.pdf
Support strategies may include, but are not limited to:
- Seeing a variety of medical practitioners such as: sports medicine specialist, vision therapist, physical therapist, acupuncturist and/or chiropractor
- Practicing mindfulness
- Pacing your self and planning your energy exertion
- Performing exercise as recommended by your medical practitioner(s)
- Planning your return to activity well in advance (work/school/sports) and asking for accommodations as needed
See Concussion Network Ontario: Patient-Education-Resource-Booklet_Final.pdf
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