The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) has developed a national awareness campaign regarding concussions in sport. With increased awareness surrounding the topic since the passing of Rowan’s Law and, with sport leaders and athletes speaking out about the dangers, signs and long-term effects – Canadians are just hitting the tip of the knowledge iceberg. Here are some key facts regarding concussions which are often misunderstood:
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that cannot be seen on routine X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. It affects the way you may think and remember things and can cause a variety of symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
You do not need to be knocked out (lose consciousness) to have had a concussion. You might experience one or more of the following:
Thinking Problems
- Do not know time, date, place, period of game, opposing team, score of game
- General confusion
- Cannot remember things that happened before and after the injury
Symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling dazed or stunned, “having my bell rung”
- Seeing stars, flashing lights
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleepiness
- Loss of vision
- Seeing double or blurry
- stomach pain, nausea
Other Problems
- Poor co-ordination/balance Blank stare/glassy-eyed
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Slow to answer questions or follow directions
- Easily distracted
- Poor concentration
- Strange or inappropriate emotions (i.e., laughing, crying, getting mad easily)
- Not playing as well
It is important to get medical help immediately if you have any “red flag” symptoms such as neck pain, repeated vomiting, growing confusion, seizures, and weakness or tingling in your arms or legs. These may be signs of a more serious injury.
When signs of a concussion are present, it’s the immediate steps that can make a huge difference in the recovery. The four R’s of Concussion Management are as follows:
- Recognize: The signs and symptoms of a concussion
- Remove: The athlete from the game or practice
- Refer: The athlete to a healthcare professional
- Return: To school and then to sport based on the recommendations of a physician
For more information and to hear the panel discussion surrounding concussions, please watch our video: Learning Module: Let’s Talk About Concussions- Ottawa Sport Summit
The City of Ottawa is an active, healthy, thriving community with a large portion of its citizens participating in community sport every day. While the health and social benefits of participating in sport far outweigh any potential risks, there are risks of injury. Whether you’re a coach, administrator, parent or athlete, we all have a role to play in ensuring sport is as safe as possible, and in the event of an injury, that athlete recovery is prioritized. Please visit SIRC, Parachute Canada and of course our website for further tools and updated information.