Concussions

A concussion is a brain injury that changes the way the brain works. It is caused by an hit to the head, face or neck, or hit to the body that shakes the head and causes the brain to move quickly within the skull.

Facts:

• From (2016 - 2018), 1,421 people visited the emergency department in Brantford/Brant county because of concussions

• Concussions can cause a number of different signs and symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and irritability

• Only a medical doctor or nurse practitioner can diagnose a concussion

• Most people who can have a concussion do not lose consciousness

• Children and youth are more likely to get a concussion. This age group also takes longer to recover

• Older adults are also at a higher risk for concussions due to slips and falls 

• A concussion cannot be seen or diagnosed by x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
  

• Helmets don't prevent concussions; no protective equipment does! Protective equipment can help reduce the risk and severity of injuries, such as skull fractures

• Baseline testing is not required for post injury care of young athletes with a suspected or diagnosed concussion

What to Do: Recovering from a Concussion

• Recovery from a concussion is a gradual process and can take a long time - weeks, months or sometimes years. Recovery depends on how severe the concussion is

• Talk to your medical doctor or nurse practitioner about developing a gradual and individualized plan to return to normal activities such as school, sports and work.