Healthy Measures: Concussions… Not OK, don’t play
A concussion can occur in anyone. Those who play sports with increased likelihood of
headshots, such as hockey, football and soccer, may be more at risk for a concussion. According
to ThinkFirst Canada, four out of five athletes do not know they are concussed. They often
return to play too soon, risking more serious injury and potentially longer recovery.
Concussions are caused by excessive, rapid movement of the brain inside the skull, resulting
from a blow to the head, neck or body. Typically signs and symptoms of a concussion last 7 to
10 days, but they can last longer.
The impact can cause physical, cognitive or emotional
damage. Symptoms of a concussion may include
dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, difficulty
concentrating, memory problems, confusion,
anxiousness and depression. A person does not need to
lose consciousness to experience a concussion.
It is important for parents, coaches, teachers, athletes
and others, to know what to look for. If an athlete
shows signs or symptoms of a concussion:
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Remove them from play immediately
Do not allow them to return to the game or practice
Do not leave them alone and monitor for ongoing symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention
During recovery, sports and other physical activities must be avoided. Activities such as reading,
texting, television, computer work and electronic games must be limited to allow the brain to
fully rest and heal. Recovery is important in eliminating the chance of long-term health effects,
including memory problems, irritability, personality changes, depression and dementia. After
physical and cognitive rest, and once symptom-free and cleared by a physician, a medicallysupervised return to play protocol can begin.
For information on the Return to Play guidelines, visit www.parachutecanada.org and click on
concussion under injury topics.
For more information on injury prevention and concussion, contact York Region Health
Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit www.york.ca/injuryprevention.