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.
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