Here is what parents and coaches need to know when it comes to concussions in their young athletes
What is a concussion?
A concussion is often caused by a blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body with a force transmitted to the head causing changes to the way that your brain functions.
A concussion is a brain injury that affects how your brain works.
A concussion can happen even if you haven’t been knocked unconscious.
There was about a 60% increase in the estimated number of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries seen among young athletes during the past decade.
Highest rates of concussion in Ontario are found among youth under 18
64% of ER visits among 10-18 year-olds are sports or recreation related
It is estimated that 50% of concussions are never reported or diagnosed
Symptoms often disappear within 7-10 days but it usually takes much longer for the brain to fully recover
What are the signs and symptoms?
Headache
Dizziness
Neck Pain
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of balance
Poor coordination
Trouble focusing
Poor concentration
Confusion “feeling foggy”
Amnesia, poor memory
Blurred, double vision
Irritability
Difficulty falling asleep, fatigue
My child has suffered a hit and complaining of symptoms, what do I do now?
Please visit your doctor to diagnose your condition. In the meantime, minimize any physical activity, using electronics such as your cell phone, laptop or TV. Be sure to get a proper night’s sleep as your body needs to restore the energy that you have lost.
If you have previously done the pre-concussion screening: Call your local We-Fix-U to book a Post-concussion screening to determine how your brain has been affected by the concussion. This information is vital when developing a customized treatment plan for you.
If you have NOT done the pre-concussion testing: YOU CAN STILL CALL US! We can still provide a Post-concussion screening even if you did not do the pre-concussion screening. (we will just use the nation’s normal/average test scores. This information will help when developing a treatment plan for you.
Our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Oshawa can develop a Return to Play rehab program customized to your needs. In accordance with Rowan’s Law, an athlete who has sustained a concussion or is suspected of having sustained a concussion does not return to training, practice or competition until permitted to do so in accordance with the return-to-sport protocol for that association.
The benefits of Pre-Concussion Screening
A Pre-Concussion Screening measures an athlete’s memory, attention, concentration, and problem-solving abilities prior to any brain injury. With this testing, we are able to determine the level of functionality. If an athlete then sustains a head injury, they would be re-evaluated within a few days after the injury and will receive subsequent follow-up testing as necessary.
After a concussion happens, it is important to measure how well your brain functions post-injury. Knowing this information can help your athlete get better, faster. We believe that it is an important step to concussion management that starts before the injury actually takes place. As a result, a valid Concussion Screening is the first step to effective concussion management.
We-Fix-U has become the hub of pre-concussion testing. Providing screening for Hockey, Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse and Rugby players.
This year, we are providing 100 youth hockey players with a FREE pre-concussion screen.
If you would like to book an appointment for your individual, team or group concussion screening or if you would like more information about concussions, please email [email protected]
