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Updated September 2019
Concussions are no minor injury. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that alters the function of the brain. They may occur from a direct blow to the head or indirectly when forces from another part of the body are transferred to the head and can result in a rapid or delayed onset of symptoms, typically within 24-28 hours. Unfortunately, common imaging techniques (x-ray, MRI, CT scan) are unable to detect concussions. So how can you identify one?
Concussions have a variety of symptoms, which may include:
Physical
Headache
“Pressure in the head”
Neck pain
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Cognitive Symptoms
Confusion
Drowsiness
Fatigue/low energy
Difficulty remembering/concentrating
“Don’t feel right”
Feel like “in a fog”
Feeling slowed down
Physical Signs
Loss of consciousness
Poor coordination/balance
Poor concentration
Slowness answering questions/following direction
Vomiting
Glazed eyes
Slurred speech
Personality/behaviour changes
Emotional Signs
More emotional
Sadness
Irritability
Nervous or anxious
What to do Immediately Following a Concussion
The most important first step to recovering from a concussion is relative rest! Both physical and cognitive activity can make concussion symptoms worse and delay recovery. Most people are able to carry on with light daily activities; however, some individuals will experience more severe symptoms and therefore need more rest. This may require the athlete to stay home from school/work, or only do half days until they are symptom free. Symptoms are often made worse by light, noise, and strenuous physical activity.
Minimize symptoms by:
Wearing a hat/sunglasses when going outside or where there will be bright lights
Using ear plugs in noisy environments
Avoiding physical activity that aggravates symptoms
Minimize screen time
Recent evidence supports early engagement in light aerobic activity, this should not increase any of your current symptoms. Examples of light aerobic activity include stationary cycling and leisurely walking. This is monitored by an appropriate health care professional.
Concussion FAQ
How long do I have to wait until I can begin training again?
An athlete should be completely asymptomatic for a full 24 hour period prior to engaging in the return to play protocol.
How long will each step in the return to play protocol take?
Each step will take a minimum of 24 hours to complete.
If the athlete has no recurring symptoms within 24 hours they may progress to the next level.
What if symptoms return during the return to play protocol?
If the athlete experiences recurring symptoms at any level they must drop down to the previous level and they may continue through the protocol after a 24 hour rest period.
How long will it take to return to play?
Most concussion resolve in 10-14 days.
The recovery period is different with every athlete.
Extra caution should be taken with youth. Remember “when in doubt, sit them out!”
Return to Play Protocol
Stage 1 - No Activity
Functional Exercise: Complete physical and cognitive rest
Objective of Stage: Recovery
Stage 2 - Light Aerobic Exercise
Functional Exercise: Walking, swimming, stationary cycling (<70% max HR), no resistance training
Objective of Stage: Increase heart rate
Stage 3 - Sport Specific Training
Functional Exercise: Skating drills in ice sports, running drills in field sports, no head impact activities
Objective of Stage: Add movement
Stage 4 - Non-Contact Training Drills
Functional Exercise: Progress to more complex training drills (e.g., passing drills)
Objective of Stage: Exercise, coordination, and cognitive load
Stage 5 - Full Contact Practice
Functional Exercise: Following medical clearance participate in normal training activities
Objective of Stage: Restore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching staff
Stage 6 - Return to Play
Functional Exercise: Normal game play
Objective of Stage: Return to play symptoms free
Who is Involved in the Return to Play Process
A medical doctor should oversee the return to play process, preferably one with experience in concussion management.
This ensures the safety of the athlete, as the doctor can monitor symptoms in the event that they are worsening.
Others involved
Coaches
Therapist (physio/athletic)
Parents
Teammates
Everyone should work together to ensure that the athlete make a full recovery prior to returning to play!
References:
McCrory P, et al. Br J Sports Med 2017;0:1–10. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699
Davis GA, et al. Br J Sports Med 2017;0:1–8. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097506SCAT5
Jayme Gordon graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master's degree in Physical Therapy. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor's of Science Kinesiology degree at the University of Victoria. She is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association as well as the Physiotherapy Association of BC. Jayme has a passion for working with a diverse patient population ranging from athletes to community dwelling seniors. Book with Jayme today.