Concussion Guidelines
Concussions and Rowan's Law: We all play a role
What is a concussion?
- A change in brain function
- Following a force to the head (direct or indirect impact)
- With or without loss of consciousness
- It cannot be seen on routine x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
- It affects the way a person may think and remember things for a short period of time
- Can cause a variety of symptoms
Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion!
SIGNS OF CONCUSSION:
- Slower than normal to respond to questions
- More distracted than usual, inability to focus
- Loss or altered consciousness
- Personality changes
- Significant decrease in playing ability
- Seizures or convulsions
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination/balance
SYPMTOMS OF CONCUSSION:
- Headache and/or pressure in head
- Feeling Dazed
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred and/or double vision
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Neck Pain
- More irritable
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
*IF YOUR TEAMATE DOES NOT SEEM THEMSELVES PLEASE SPEAK UP AND TELL THE THERAPY/MEDICAL STAFF*
A concussion is diagnosed by clinical diagnosis, detailed history, mechanism of injury, a symtom report such as a SCAT5 or ACE, neurological and cognitive testing such as SCAT5, imPACT, etc.
What should you do if you get a concussion? Stop playing the sport right away.
Continuing to play increases you risk of more severe, longer lasting concussion symptoms, and increases your risk of another injury.
During the first 48-72 hours post-concussion = FULL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REST
- No screen time: computers, phones, video games, t.v., etc.
- No reading/studying, attending class
- No loud noise or music
- No physical activity – only light walking and daily activities IF you have no worsening of symptoms
- No alcohol or recreational drugs
After the first 48-72 hours:
- Re-evaluate symptoms with therapist
- Light treatment if indicated
- Follow up with Sports Medicine Doctor a.s.a.p. if still symptomatic with NO improvement or worsening
The therapy staff and support team will help guide your return from here; both treatment for return to sport and helping facilitate return to school/work.
How long will it take to get better?
Signs and symptoms of a concussion can often last 7-10 days, but can last longer. Sometimes it may take weeks or months to heal. Having had previous concussions may increase the chance a person may take longer to heal. Be patient with your recovery. Be honest with your medical team to ensure the best clinical outcomes.
RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL:
Once you are symptom free, there are five steps in the return to play protocol.
- Light exercise such as walking or stationary bike, 10-15 minutes.
- Sport specific aerobic activity, 20-30 minutes. No contact, no drills.
- Sport practice such as ball drills, shooting, and other sport specific activities. No contact.
- Sport practice with body contact once cleared by doctor.
- Game play
*Each step must take a minimum of 24 hours, remaining symptom free throughout. If symptoms return, stop activity and rest until symptoms resolve. The therapy staff will help you re-start the protocol and be checking in with you daily.
Find more information about Rowan's Law, consult the Goverment of Ontario's website here. Rowan's Law is named after Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player from Ottawa's John McCrae Secondary School, who passed away in 2013.