Prevention

There are many ways you can lower your risk of a concussion. Always check with your LHCP and follow his/her recommendations. Although you may take all the correct steps, a concussion may still occur.

Non-Sports Related

  • Wear a seat belt every time you ride in a motor vehicle
  • Never operate machinery while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Children

  • Safely buckle your child in the correct car seat, booster seat or seat belt for his/her height, weight and age
  • Install window guards to prevent falls from open windows
  • Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
  • Ensure playground surfaces are made of shock-absorbing material, such as wood chips or sand

Seniors

  • Improve lighting in the home and remove tripping hazards (throw rugs, clutter).
  • Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors
  • Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails in stairways
  • Maintain a regular physical activity program if your doctor approve

Sports-Related

  • Always wear a helmet when:
    • Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter or all-terrain vehicle
    • Using in-line skates or skateboard
    • Playing contact sports such as football, hockey or boxing
    • Playing baseball or softball
    • Riding a horse
    • Skiing or snowboarding
  • Recognize symptoms of a concussion and develop a concussion action plan
  • If concussion is suspected, do not allow athlete to return to play until evaluated and cleared by a LHCP.
  • Follow proper techniques, good sportsmanship, and rules of the game.
  • Ensure equipment fits properly, is used correctly, and meets manufacturer standards to help reduce concussion risk.

Concussion Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of concussion for all ages typically fall into four categories:

Physical

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Balance problems
  • Dizziness
  • Visual problems
  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Numbness/tingling
  • Dazed or stunned

Cognitive

  • Feeling mentally "foggy"
  • Feeling slowed down
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty remembering
  • Forgetful of recent information or conversations
  • Confused about recent events
  • Answers questions slowly

Emotional

  • Irritability
  • Sadness
  • More emotional than usual
  • More nervous than usual

Sleep

  • Drowsiness
  • Sleeping less than usual
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Trouble falling asleep
Neurosciences