Getting your bell rung, having a cussy, mush brain, seeing stars - concussions are often dismissed with these terms but in reality a concussion is a brain injury that can cause a number of symptoms affecting the way you think or act. A repeat concussion that occurs while your brain is still healing from a previous concussion can cause long-term problems with movement, learning or speaking that may change your life forever.
Think snowboarding, ice hockey and tobogganing. Participating in sports and outdoor activities during winter is a great way to stay healthy and happy so long as you take the proper precautions to protect yourself, including your head.
16,888 concussions seen in emergency departments throughout the Lower Mainland in 2011.
59% of all concussion visits were males.
40% of concussion cases were children ages zero to 19.
Concussion emergency department rates were highest among infants less than one year old
The leading cause of concussion was falls (32.5%).
Any force that causes the brain to move around in the skull can cause a concussion.
Signs of a concussion may not appear immediately.
Most concussions do not involve passing out (a loss of consciousness).
Physical signs: imbalance, nausea and vomiting, headache, blurry vision, dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise, feeling tired
Emotional & mood signs: easily upset or angered, sad, more emotional than normal
Sleep signs: sleeping more or less than usual, or having a hard time falling asleep
Thinking: not thinking clearly, feeling slower, unable to concentrate, unable to remember new information
How a concussion is handled in the minutes, hours and days following the injury can significantly influence the extent of damage and recovery time. Get medical help – any possible concussion should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Rest is the best way to recover from a concussion – both physical and mental.
Follow the guidelines for Return to Learn (video) and 
Return to Play to help achieve full recovery.
For more information check out the following links: