Prevention
There are many ways you can lower your risk of a concussion. Always check with your LHCP and follow his/her recommendations. Although you may take all the correct steps, a concussion may still occur.
Non-Sports Related
Always wear a helmet when:
| Children | Seniors |
|---|---|
| Safely buckle your child in the correct car seat, booster seat or seat belt for his/her height, weight and age | Improve lighting in the home and remove tripping hazards (throw rugs, clutter). |
| Install window guards to prevent falls from open windows | Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors |
| Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs | Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails in stairways |
| Ensure playground surfaces are made of shock-absorbing material, such as wood chips or sand | Maintain a regular physical activity program if your doctor approves |
Sports-Related
Signs and symptoms of concussion for all ages typically fall into four categories:
| Physical | Cognitive | Emotional | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | Feeling mentally "foggy" | Irritability | Drowsiness |
| Nausea | Feeling slowed down | Sadness | Sleeping less than usual |
| Vomiting | Difficulty concentrating | More emotional than usual | Sleeping more than usual |
| Balance problems | Difficulty remembering | More nervous than usual | Trouble falling asleep |
| Dizziness | Forgetful of recent information or conversations | ||
| Visual problems | Confused about recent events | ||
| Fatigue | Answers questions slowly | ||
| Sensitivity to light | Repeats questions | ||
| Sensitivity to noise | |||
| Numbness/tingling | |||
| Dazed or stunned |
- Wear a seat belt every time you ride in a motor vehicle
- Never operate machinery while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter or all-terrain vehicle
- Using in-line skates or skateboard
- Playing contact sports such as football, hockey or boxing
- Playing baseball or softball
- Riding a horse
- Skiing or snowboarding
- Recognize symptoms of a concussion and develop a concussion action plan
- If concussion is suspected, do not allow athlete to return to play until evaluated and cleared by a LHCP.
- Follow proper techniques, good sportsmanship, and rules of the game.
- Ensure equipment fits properly, is used correctly, and meets manufacturer standards to help reduce concussion risk.