Because of the contact nature of the game and the speed with which it is played, the brain is vulnerable to injury. Trauma may occur through direct contact to the head or face or indirectly through a whiplash effect. Injuries to the brain are characterized by an altered state of consciousness. It is the altered state of consciousness that is the key thing to look for with any head injury.
NOTE: Children are more sensitive to the effects of a concussion and may need to have a longer period of rest prior to returning to activity and the sport.
A concussion is a common injury, but since they cannot be detected on x-rays or CT scans, they have been difficult to fully investigate and understand. Fortunately, there have been many important advances in our knowledge of concussions, including how to identify, manage and recover from a concussion. Although concussions are often referred to as ‘mild traumatic head injuries’ and often resolve uneventfully, ALL concussions have the potential for serious and long-lasting symptoms and so must be treated carefully and in consultation with a physician.
Click here to link to the Coaching Association of Canada and test your knowledge around concussions.
Concussions are brain injuries caused by the impact of the brain with the inside of the skull. The impact causes damage that changes how brain cells function, leading to symptoms that can be physical (headaches, dizziness), cognitive (problems remembering or concentrating), or emotional (feeling depressed). A concussion can result from a blow to the head or body in any number of activities including sports.
What happens to the brain inside the skull during a concussion?
CLICK HERE to find out.
THE ACTION
LINKS
Hockey Canada Concussion Page
Hockey Canada Concussion Card
Pocket Concussion Recognition Card
GET THE APP!
Hockey Canada Concussion Awareness App
Hockey Canada has launched free concussion awareness apps for smartphones and tablets, with versions available for adults and kids focusing on prevention, respect, rules, symptoms and return to play protocol.
Download the APP here:
Blackberry - ADULT APP
Blackberry - KIDS APP
iOS - ADULT APP
iOS - KIDS APP
Android - ADULT APP
Android - KIDS APP