About Concussion & Helmet Safety
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that can’t be seen on routine X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. It affects the way a person may think and remember things, and can cause a variety of symptoms. Any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that jars your head, could cause a concussion.
What to do if you suspect a concussion
In all suspected cases of concussion, the person should stop the activity right away. Continuing increases their risk of more severe, longer-lasting concussion symptoms, as well as increases their risk of other injury.
Anyone with a suspected concussion should be checked out by a medical doctor.
Red flags:
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision
- Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
- Severe or increasing headache
- Seizure or convulsion
- Loss of consciousness (knocked out)
- Deteriorating conscious state
- Vomiting more than once
- Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
- Growing confusion
Symptoms
The symptoms of a concussion usually last one to four weeks, but may last longer. In some cases, it can take weeks or months to heal. If a person has had a concussion before, it may take them longer to heal the next time.
Concussion can cause a wide range of symptoms which may include:
Cognitive
- Not thinking clearly
- Feeling slowed down
- Feeling like “in a fog”
- Problems concentrating
- Memory problems
Physical
- Headache
- Pressure in the head
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Ringing in the ears
- Balance problems
- Feeling tired or low energy
- Drowsiness
- “Don’t feel right”
Emotional
- Easily upset or angered
- Sadness
- Nervous or anxious
- Feeling more emotional
Sleep Related
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Having a hard time falling asleep
Helmets are an important piece of protective equipment for many sports and activities.
Helmets can prevent serious head injuries.
However, helmets are not proven to prevent concussions.
Helmet Safety
Learn the 2-V-1 Method to properly fit your helmet
Properly fit a helmet
- Shake your head from side to side and from front to back. The helmet should not move around.
- The helmet should cover the top of the forehead and should rest about two fingers’ width above the eyebrows.
- Side straps should fit snugly around each ear in a “V” shape.
- Buckles on the side strap should fit right under the ear. Buckle the chin strap. Tighten it until you can fit only one finger between the strap and your chin.
- Check the helmet fit every time.
- Want to learn more about the NBIS Education Program?
- Phone: 250-753-5600 Ext.4
- Email: Community@nbis.ca