Concussion

This section of the website provides an overview of concussion, prevention, coping with symptoms and resources for more information. Click on the links below to navigate to skip to a section:

• What is a concussion?
• What causes a concussion?
• What to do after a concussion
• Brain recovery
• Common concussion symptoms and problems
• Coping with symptoms and getting better
• Teacher's resources
• Guides for Youth
• Where can I get help?
• Concussion Infographic

What is a concussion

• A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury
• You probably had a concussion if you were:
  • dazed or confused after your injury,
  • lost consciousness (knocked out),
  • or can’t remember what happened for a short time before or after your injury
• The effects of a concussion can be serious

Dr. Mike Evans is founder of the Health Design Lab at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Toronto, and a staff physician at St. Michael's Hospital.

What causes a concussion?

• A direct blow or jolt to the head, face and neck. 
• It could result from a fall, a tackle in a contact sport, assault, vehicle accident, walking or running into an obstacle, skateboarding, snowboarding, explosion…and the list goes on
• Most concussions can be prevented
   

Photos: flickr/John Martinez Pavliga

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After a concussion:
Stop what you are doing, let someone know what happened and get help

• It is very important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have had a concussion
• Tell whoever is around you at the time that you think you have a concussion.  They could be a family member, friend, co-worker, teammate, or coach.
• Immediately stop doing the activity whether it is work, school, sports or driving
   

Brain Recovery

• In the minutes to days after a concussion, brain cells are in a vulnerable state
• Usually the symptoms/problems of concussion are temporary and over time will go away
• Healing usually happens over several days, but in some cases may take many weeks or months
• Some symptoms may appear right away and some may appear later
• Symptoms may get worse with an increase in activity
• Having had a previous concussion may increase the time needed to heal

Common concussion symptoms and problems  

>> See the next section on Coping with symptoms and getting better

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Teacher's Resources

Where can I get help?

Keep in contact with your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to specialists to help with troublesome symptoms

If you had a recent concussion and would like to talk to someone about your recovery, please call:

Vancouver Coastal Health’s Early Response Concussion Service
Phone: 604-714-4186
This early intervention and follow up service is offered by GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre

Fraser Health’s Concussion Clinic
Phone: 604-520-4175
This early intervention and follow up service is only available for people who live in the Fraser Health Region

For more information check out these web sites

• The Center for Neuro Skills: Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Guide offers an online education course on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
• Think First Safety Information and Resources for concussion resources, sports and recreation tip sheets and information about helmets
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide information and resources about concussion /mild traumatic brain injury, recovery and prevention. There are specific resources for physicians and patients, coaches, athletes and parents in high school sports and youth sports and falls prevention for seniors

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Infographic produced by MastersinHealthCare.com: