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
| Children |
| Safely buckle your child in the correct car seat, booster seat or seat belt for his/her height, weight and age |
| Install window guards to prevent falls from open windows |
| Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs |
| Ensure playground surfaces are made of shock-absorbing material, such as wood chips or sand |
| Seniors |
| Improve lighting in the home and remove tripping hazards (throw rugs, clutter). |
| Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors |
| Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails in stairways |
| 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 |
| Headache |
| Nausea |
| Vomiting |
| Balance problems |
| Dizziness |
| Visual problems |
| Fatigue |
| Sensitivity to light |
| Sensitivity to noise |
| Numbness/tingling |
| Dazed or stunned |
| Cognitive |
| Feeling mentally "foggy" |
| Feeling slowed down |
| Difficulty concentrating |
| Difficulty remembering |
| Forgetful of recent information or conversations |
| Confused about recent events |
| Answers questions slowly |
| Repeats questions |
| Emotional |
| Irritability |
| Sadness |
| More emotional than usual |
| More nervous than usual |
| Sleep |
| Drowsiness |
| Sleeping less than usual |
| Sleeping more than usual |
| Trouble falling asleep |
- 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