Concussion Awareness
Be aware of this brain injury that occurs during a game, with symptoms appearing on and off the field.
Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport
Up-to-date resources can be found on the Parachute website
Making Headway in Sport
All Football Coaches are required to take NCCP Making Head way in football to get concussion smart!
What Is A Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that cannot be seen on x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. It affects the way your child may think and remember things, and can cause a variety of symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms & Signs Of A Concussion?
It is important to know that your child does not need to be knocked out (lose consciousness) to have had a concussion. A variety of problems may happen after a concussion, including:
Thinking Problems
- Does not know time, date, place, period of game, score of opposing team, score of game
- general confusion
- cannot remember things that happened before and after the injury
- knocked out
Athlete’s Complaints
- headache
- dizziness
- feels dazed
- feels “dinged” or stunned; “having my bell rung”
- sees stars, flashing lights
- ringing in the ears
- sleepiness
- loss of vision
- sees double or blurry
- stomach ache / stomach pain, nausea
Other Problems
- poor coordination or 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
What Causes A Concussion?
Any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body which causes a sudden jarring of the head may cause a concussion (i.e. a helmet to the head, being knocked to the ground).
