A concussion is a common head injury, also known as a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI). It is an injury that results from a direct or indirect blow to the head, face or jaw causing an alteration of brain function.  The damage to the brain during a concussion is caused by a sudden shifting of the brain inside the skull. A blow to the head can also cause a rotational injury to the brain which can potentially cause shearing of the brain nervous fibres which can alter brain function.   It is not yet known exactly what happens to brain cells in a concussion, but it appears to involve a change in chemical function. In the minutes to days following a concussion, brain cells are vulnerable.

Concussions are difficult to recognize as there is no visible injury to the brain, meaning that tests like CT scans usually appear normal.  Recognition comes from various post-concussion symptoms such as; mentioned below, including, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, fatigue, headaches and many others. Concussions are dangerous because in some instances an individual can feel normal while in fact still have a concussion and think that they are OK to return to activity. Returning to activity before the brain has fully healed leaves the individual more likely to suffer a second concussion, known as second impact syndrome.

A second blow to the head, even if it is a minor one, can result in a loss of control of the brain’s blood supply. It is important to prohibit athletes from returning to a game prematurely.  Loss of control of blood supply leads to swelling of the brain resulting in increased pressure inside the skull, which can lead to herniation of the brain.  The average time from second impact to brainstem failure is quite rapid, taking only two to five minutes.  After this occurs, the situation becomes very severe and can become fatal.

If you notice anyone experiencing any of the following signs after a concussion you should ensure they receive proper treatment by a properly trained medical professional.

  • Trouble concentrating, confusion or remembering
  • Drowsy or hard to arouse
  • Nausea and/or Vomiting
  • Muscle weakness
  • More irritable than normal
  • More emotional then normal either happy, sad, depressed
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Convulsions
  • Blurry or double vision, unusual eye movements
  • Dizzy or Walking problems

 

Please note: The above list is not exhaustive nor does having one or more of these symptoms mean that someone has a concussion.  It is merely a guide to possible concussive symptoms.  It is important to seek medical attention immediately to receive a diagnosis.

Please note: All content found herein is provided for information and educational purposes. Information on injury prevention education, sports equipment and health promotion and should only be used to support – not replace- the advice of a doctor or other health professional.  Additionally, the information is not intended to provide medical, legal or financial advice. If you think you are concussed or know someone who may be concussed you should consult appropriate medical advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional  prior to acting upon any information available at Source For Sports retail locations or through stopconcussions.com website(s).

L’intégralité du contenu se retrouvant ici est fournie à titre informatif et dans un but éducatif. L’information présentée sur la prévention des blessures, l’équipement sportif et sur la santé ne devrait être utilisé qu’à des fins d’accompagnement et non de remplacement à des conseils médicaux provenant d’un médecin ou d’un autre professionnel de la santé. De plus, ces informations ne sont pas destinées à servir de conseils médicaux, légaux, ou financiers. Si vous pensez souffrir d’une commotion ou si vous connaissez quelqu’un qui pourrait en souffrir, vous devriez consulter de manière à obtenir des conseils médicaux appropriés de la part d’un médecin ou de tout autre professionnel de la santé. Il est important de ne pas agir par rapport à l’information disponible aux différentes succursales de La Source du Sport, son site web et sur le site internet de stopconcussions.com sans l’avis préalable d’un professionnel de la santé.


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