All players who are suspected of having a concussion must be seen by a physician as soon as possible. A concussion is a brain injury.
A concussion most often occurs without loss of consciousness. However, a concussion may involve loss of consciousness.
How Concussions Happen
Any impact to the head, face or neck or a blow to the body which causes a sudden jolting of the head and results in the brain moving inside the skull may cause a concussion.
Common Symptoms and Signs of a Concussion
Symptoms and signs may have a delayed onset (may be worse later that day or even the next morning), so players should continue to be observed even after the initial symptoms and signs have returned to normal. *A player may show any one or more of these symptoms or signs. Click HERE for a printable information card
RED FLAGS - If any of the following are observed or complaints reported following an injury, the player should be removed from play safely and immediately and your Emergency Action Plan initiated. Immediate assessment by a physician is required.
• Neck pain or tenderness
• Severe or increasing headache
• Deteriorating conscious state
• Double vision
• Seizure or convulsion
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
• Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
Signs
• Poor balance or coordination
• Slow or slurred speech
• Poor concentration
• Delayed responses to questions
• Vacant stare
• Decreased playing ability
• Unusual emotions, personality change, and inappropriate behaviour
• Sleep disturbance
Symptoms
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling dazed
• Seeing stars
• Sensitivity to light
• Ringing in ears
• Tiredness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Irritability
• Confusion, disorientation
For a complete list of symptoms and signs, visit parachute.ca/concussion
Concussion - Key Steps
• Recognize and remove the player from the current game or practice.
• Do not leave the player alone, monitor symptoms and signs.
• Do not administer medication.
• Inform the coach, parent or guardian about the injury.
• The player should be evaluated by a medical doctor as soon as possible.
• The player must not return to play in that game or practice, and must follow the 6-step return to play strategy and receive medical clearance by a physician.
Players
• Make sure your helmet fits snugly and that the strap is fastened
• Get a custom fitted mouthguard
• Respect other players
• No hits to the head
• No hits from behind
• Strong skill development
Coach/Trainer/Safety Person/Referee
• Eliminate all checks to the head
• Eliminate all hits from behind
• Recognize symptoms and signs of concussion
• Inform and educate players about the risks of concussion