Concussion Information

The following information is from Hockey Canada:

Because of the contact nature of the game and the speed with which it is played, the brain is vulnerable to injury. Trauma may occur through direct contact to the head or face or indirectly through a whiplash effect. Injuries to the brain are characterized by an altered state of consciousness. It is the altered state of consciousness that is the key thing to look for with any head injury.

NOTE: Children are more sensitive to the effects of a concussion and may need to have a longer period of rest prior to returning to activity and the sport.

A concussion is a common injury, but since they cannot be detected on x-rays or CT scans, they have been difficult to fully investigate and understand. Fortunately, there have been many important advances in our knowledge of concussions, including how to identify, manage, and recover from a concussion. Although concussions are often referred to as ‘mild traumatic head injuries’ and often resolve uneventfully, ALL concussions have the potential for serious and long-lasting symptoms and so must be treated carefully and in consultation with a physician.

What causes a concussion?

Concussions are brain injuries caused by the impact of the brain with the inside of the skull. The impact causes damage that changes how brain cells function, leading to symptoms that can be physical (headaches, dizziness), cognitive (problems remembering or concentrating), or emotional (feeling depressed). A concussion can result from a blow to the head or body in any number of activities including sports. The following link takes you to the Think First website: www.thinkfirst.ca

Symptoms?

Headache
Dizziness
Feeling dazed
Seeing stars
Sensitivity to light
Ringing in ears
Tiredness
Nausea, vomiting
Irritability
Confusion, disorientation

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

How can a concussion be prevented?

Never check to the head
Hockey Canada adopted a new penalty for the 2002-03 season that is enforced at all levels of play within hockey in Canada. The penalty is checking to the head, and it was hoped that the enforcement of this rule would address and lead to the reduction of concussions in hockey at all levels of play within Hockey Canada.

Never hit from behind
Beginning with the 1985-86 season, Hockey Canada introduced a rule to eliminate checking from behind. With the implementation of rules, prevention and awareness Hockey Canada will continue to decrease the number of concussions in the game. But it takes more than this, it takes cooperation from all involved including parents to continue to enforce respect and safety in the game.


Caution: All players should consult a physician when a concussion is suspected. Coaches, trainers/safety people, players and parents should
not attempt to treat a concussion without a physician’s involvement.

The return to play process is gradual, and begins after a doctor has given the player clearance to return to activity. If any symptoms/signs return during this process, the player must be re-evaluated by a physician. No return to play if any symptoms or signs persist. Remember, symptoms may return later that day or the next, not necessarily when exercising.

Never return to play if symptoms persist.

PREVENTION TIPS:

For players:
•Make sure your helmet fits snugly and that the strap is fastened
•Get a custom fitted mouth guard
•Respect other players
•No hits to the head
•No hits from behind

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