OPHEA - Ontario Physical and Health Education Association

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that disrupts the way the cells in the brain normally work and which can vary in severity and consequences.

A concussion is caused by a strike or jolt to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body (e.g., a sideways check to the body) that causes a whiplash effect on the head and neck where the brain impacts the skull.

A person does not have to lose consciousness to sustain a concussion.
In fact, most people never do.

Although most people will recover fully after a concussion, the signs and symptoms of this injury may last several minutes, days, weeks or even longer.

Side effects/symptoms can be: headaches, lethargy, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, ringing in ears, depression, amnesia, irritability, poor concentration or coordination.

Long term problems associated with concussion can include:

• Poor attention and concentration
• Reduced speed of information-processing
• Impaired memory and learning
• Emotional difficulties

Recent research indicates that a ‘Second Impact Syndrome’ may occur when a repeat concussion happens before the brain recovers from the first, which can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems.

In rare cases, Second Impact Syndrome can result in swelling of the brain, permanent brain damage, and even death.

It is important that initial concussions are treated early and with professional care.

The Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines are provincially recognized safety guidelines that contain the mandatory minimum standards that must be met by teachers/coaches when addressing the safety components of the curricular, intramural and interschool programs.

The minimum standard of care for concussion can be found in the Elementary and Secondary Curricular, Intramural and Interschool modules in the following sections:

Generic:

• Concussion Information and Procedures for activity-related concussions in students.

Appendices:

• Physical Activity and Sport-Related Concussion
• Sample Request to Resume Physical Education (Athletic Participation) Concussion-Related Injuries

Ophea presented the webinar Concussion Protocols for Teachers and Coaches in April. If you missed it, you can view the Concussion Protocols for Teachers and Coaches Webinar online.