Concussions: More Than Just a Bump on the Head

In the world of contact sports, active play, and even everyday slips and falls, the term "concussion" has become increasingly prevalent. Once dismissed as merely "getting your bell rung," we now understand that a concussion is a serious brain injury, a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), that requires careful management and recovery. It’s not just a bump on the head; it’s a temporary disturbance to the brain's function, and its effects can be subtle but long-lasting if not properly addressed.

At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, we advocate for greater awareness and education about concussions. Knowing how to recognize the signs, especially in adults and children, and understanding the importance of immediate removal from activity and proper rest, is crucial for preventing more severe or prolonged consequences.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by biomechanical forces. It occurs when a sudden movement or impact causes the brain to rapidly accelerate or decelerate within the skull, leading to stretching and damaging of brain cells and temporary disruption of normal brain function. It doesn't necessarily require a loss of consciousness.

Common Causes of Concussions:

• Falls: Especially in young children and older adults.

• Sports Injuries: Contact sports (hockey, football, rugby), but also non-contact sports (skiing, cycling, soccer).

• Motor Vehicle Collisions: Whiplash effect or direct head impact.

• Workplace Accidents: Falls, falling objects, or impacts.

• Assaults: Blows to the head.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms: A Complex Picture

Concussion symptoms can be varied, subtle, and may not appear immediately. They can be categorized into several groups:

1. Thinking/Remembering Problems:

• Difficulty thinking clearly, feeling "foggy."

• Trouble concentrating or remembering new information.

• Feeling slowed down.

• Difficulty processing information.

2. Physical Problems:

• Headache (most common).

• Nausea or vomiting (especially in the first few hours).

• Balance problems, dizziness.

• Vision changes (blurred, double vision, light sensitivity).

• Noise sensitivity.

• Fatigue, low energy.

3. Emotional/Mood Problems:

• Irritability, sadness, anxiety.

• More emotional than usual.

• Nervousness.

4. Sleep Problems:

• Sleeping more or less than usual.

• Trouble falling asleep.

Concussions in Children and Babies: Unique Challenges

Recognizing concussions in children, particularly young children and babies, can be more challenging as they may not be able to articulate their symptoms. Be extra vigilant if a child experiences a head injury. Look for:

• Changes in behaviour: Irritability, fussiness, crying more than usual.

• Changes in sleep patterns: Sleeping more or less.

• Changes in eating habits: Not wanting to eat or nurse.

• Loss of balance: Unsteadiness, clumsiness.

• Lack of interest in favorite toys/activities.

• Bumps or bruises on the head/face.

• Swelling of the soft spot (fontanel) on an infant's head.

• Vomiting, seizures.

What to Do: Immediate Action and Ongoing Management

Your primary goal as a first aider is to recognize the possibility of a concussion, remove the person from any activity, and ensure they receive proper medical evaluation.

1. Recognize and Suspect: If a person takes a blow to the head or body that causes rapid acceleration/deceleration, always suspect a concussion, even if symptoms aren't immediately obvious.

2. Remove from Play/Activity: If in a sport or activity, immediately remove the person from play. Do not allow them to return to the activity that day, regardless of how they feel. "When in doubt, sit them out."

3. Call 911 (If Severe): Call 911 if there are signs of a more severe brain injury, such as:

• Loss of consciousness for more than 30 seconds.

• One pupil larger than the other.

• Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.

• Repeated vomiting.

• Seizures.

• Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour.

• Inability to wake up.

• Signs of a spinal injury (as discussed in Week 23).

4. Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if symptoms seem mild, always advise the person (or their parent/guardian) to seek medical attention from a doctor or healthcare professional experienced in concussion management. They can confirm the diagnosis and provide specific recovery instructions.

5. Rest is Key: Emphasize the importance of physical and cognitive rest in the initial recovery phase. This means limiting:

• Physical activity.

• Screen time (phones, computers, TV).

• Reading, homework.

• Loud noises and bright lights.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Advise the person to monitor their symptoms closely and seek further medical attention if symptoms worsen or don't improve.

7. Gradual Return to Activity: Recovery from concussion is a gradual process. A structured, step-by-step return-to-activity plan (e.g., Return-to-Learn, Return-to-Play protocols) guided by a healthcare professional is essential. Rushing back can lead to prolonged symptoms or a more severe subsequent concussion (Second Impact Syndrome, though rare, is devastating).

Why Proper Concussion Management Matters:

Proper management of concussions is critical for several reasons:

• Preventing Prolonged Symptoms: Rushing recovery can lead to post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years.

• Preventing Second Impact Syndrome: While rare, a second concussion before the brain has fully recovered from the first can be catastrophic, leading to severe brain swelling, permanent disability, or death.

• Protecting Long-Term Brain Health: Repeated concussions, especially if improperly managed, are linked to long-term neurological issues.

Ready 4 Everything: Concussion Awareness and Action

At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, our first aid courses educate participants on the latest concussion guidelines and provide practical strategies for recognition and initial management. We empower coaches, parents, teachers, and workplace supervisors to identify potential concussions and take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and effective recovery path.

Don't let a "bump on the head" turn into a long-term struggle. Be ready to recognize, act, and protect.

Your Action Item: Could you confidently identify the signs of a concussion in an adult or child and know the crucial next steps? Sign up for first aid courses for your organization today to gain the vital knowledge to manage concussions effectively, safeguarding the long-term brain health of those in your care.