In honour of National Concussion Awareness Week, here are 5 facts you might not know about concussion.
1. A concussion isn’t just a headache: There are multiple systems involved in a concussion, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Visual: difficulty with reading, sensitivity to light, and difficulty in busy environments
- Vestibular: dizziness, difficulty with head/body movements, and feeling unsteady
- Cognitive: brain fog, difficulty focusing, decision making, and problem solving
- Emotional: changes in mood, including frustration, irritability, and sadness
- Sleep: fatigue, insomnia, increased daytime sleepiness
- Cervical: neck pain and stiffness that makes daily tasks more difficult
- Cardiovascular/autonomic: changes in how your body responds to exercise, including changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
2. You do not have to hit your head or lose consciousness in order to have a concussion: Forceful movement of the head and neck causes rapid movement of the brain within the skull. This can cause changes to the brain without a direct impact to the head, and loss of consciousness is not required.
3. Aerobic exercise is important for recovery: It isn’t healthy to avoid any activities that cause symptoms, but it also is important not to push through symptoms either. Working with a qualified health professional who can provide guidance on safe, symptom limited aerobic exercise can help build your brain’s tolerance for exercise and promote healing.
4. You should not return to sport until you are symptom free and have passed a graduated return to sport protocol: This should be supervised by both your coaches and your healthcare provider, who will ensure that you can get back to your activities in a timely, safe fashion.
5. There are many professionals who can help with your concussion: A physiotherapist, chiropractor, occupational therapist, vision therapist, optometrist, or a psychotherapist may all play a role, depending on your symptoms and your needs. For complex or persistent concussions, you may benefit from a team of providers to ensure all aspects of your concussion are being addressed.
If you think you may have a concussion, seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.