When the brain is shaken in the skull, it can lead to a traumatic brain injury called a concussion. It may not appear in diagnostic imaging (such as a computed tomography (CT) scan), but it can still impact the health of the athlete.
Understanding the nature of an activity or sport is the first step in preventing concussions. It does not always take a direct blow to the head to cause brain trauma. Consider the following actions, which are common elements of many sports, that can cause a concussion:
Factors that could affect getting a concussion:
Not everyone who suffers a concussion will experience symptoms, but the following may indicate that a concussion has occurred:
Get emergency medical attention immediately if experiencing more serious symptoms, such as double vision, severe headache, neck pain, repeated vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
An athlete who could have a concussion should speak with a healthcare professional. It is important to get a medical assessment and diagnosis so that appropriate guidance can be provided. The following tools* are used when dealing with concussions:
*We have mentioned these organizations as a means of providing a potentially useful referral. You should contact the organization(s) directly for more information about their services. Please note that mention of these organizations does not represent a recommendation or endorsement by CCOHS of these organizations over others of which you may be aware.
It takes time to recover from a concussion – weeks or longer for proper recovery. Athletes should be medically cleared by a healthcare professional before they return to the sport after a suspected concussion.
All efforts should be made to prevent additional concussions. Repeated brain trauma could lead to long-term issues such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
It is better to prevent concussions than to treat them. Consider the following preventive tips:
You can find more information on concussions from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s concussion resources and Parachute Canada.
- context Body-to-head strikes (common in combat sports such as boxing, but can also occur in non-combat sports such as hockey)
- context Object-to-head strikes (baseball player hit by a pitch, heading the ball in soccer, etc.)
- context Full body collisions (tackling in football or rugby, body checking in hockey, etc.)
- context Falls from height (gymnastics, cheerleading, horseback riding, rock climbing, etc.)
- context Slams, takedowns, and falls from the same level (wrestling, judo, etc.)
- context Whiplash or rapid movements of the head (blow to the body, motor vehicle collision, bicycle crash, etc.)
- context Having a previous concussion (having had an initial concussion increases the risk of sustaining another)
- context Intensity of play (a competitive match is more likely to result in a concussion than practice)
- context Sex (females may have a higher risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries than males)
- context Headache
- context Dizziness
- context Nausea
- context Memory issues
- context Problems focusing or thinking clearly
- context Behavioural changes
- context Blurry vision
- context Neck pain
- context Sports Concussion Assessment Tool
- context Concussion Recognition Tool (as part of Parachute's Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport)
- context Avoid activities that could cause a concussion, especially if you have a greater vulnerability (such as having had one or multiple concussions before)
- context Play smart and avoid blows to the head or activities that shake the brain
- context Prioritize your brain health (for example, if you think you might have a concussion, report it and take recovery measures)
- context Wear a suitable, properly fitted helmet that complies with a recognized standard, such as CSA Z262.1-15 (R2024) for ice hockey helmets. A helmet does not prevent a concussion, but may reduce the severity of injury