What is Concussion?
A concussion is a mild TBI (traumatic brain injury).
It is caused by a direct knock or blow to the head, neck, or body, resulting in some abrupt movement of the brain within the skull.
This causes a temporary change in how the brain works.
These changes occur on a cellular level, which means structural damage cannot be seen on a clinical brain scan.
There are a lot of causes of concussions including falls, recreational injuries, car accidents, or sports.
Scroll down to access the free conscussion app & the Australian Sports Commissions guidlines on how to responsibly manage concussion in sport.
While many kids and adults with concussion will notice their symptoms improve over a few days, it can take up to four weeks to fully recover from a concussion.
Approximately 30% of children and adults may experience symptoms for longer than 4 weeks.
Early identification of concussion and appropriate management in the early stages post-injury can help to accelerate recovery.
It is vital that a suspected concussion is not ignored.
In Australia, where sports and outdoor activites are a significant part of our every day lives, understanding how to recognise concussion is impoprtant for protecting yourself, team mates, friends and family.
We have made is super easy for you to learn how to identify concussion symptoms and learn the correct first aid to provide, with free printable tools and apps and instructions below.
Recognising signs of concussion:
Concussion symptoms vary widely and may appear iright away or develop over hours or days.
It's essential to observe for any changes in behaviour or physical condition after a potential head injury.
Common Symptoms:
- Headache: This is often the most common symptom.
- Dizziness or Balance Problems: Feeling unsteady or lightheaded.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach.
- Blurred Vision or Sensitivity to Light and Noise: Changes in sensory perception.
- Confusion or Feeling "Foggy": Difficulty thinking clearly.
- Memory Problems: Trouble remembering events before or after the injury.
- Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking clearly.
- Loss of Consciousness: Even a brief loss of consciousness can indicate a concussion.
- Changes in Mood or Behaviour: Irritability, sadness, or anxiety.
- Fatigue or Drowsiness: Feeling unusually tired.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Use this powerful free app to make informed decisions on the spot after a suspected concussion.
Download HeadCheck now!
Subtle Signs in Different Age Groups:
It's important to know that concussion symptoms can show up differently in different age groups:
Concussion in Children:
- May appear dazed or confused.
- Exhibit excessive crying or irritability.
- Show a loss of balance and unsteadiness.
- Experience changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
Concussion in Teenagers:
- May complain of headaches, dizziness, or confusion.
- Show changes in academic performance.
- Exhibit emotional volatility.
- Social withdrawal.
Concussion in Adults:
- May experience persistent headaches, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating.
- May show changes in work performance.
- Increased anxiety or depression.
-
Sleep disturbances.
First Aid for Concussion:
If you suspect someone has a concussion, give the following first aid.
- Remove the person from play or activity: Do not let them return to the activity, even if they feel better.
- Recognise the person's condition: Check for responsiveness, breathing, and circulation.
- If the person is unconscious, call emergency services (000 in Australia) immediately.
- If the person is conscious, monitor them closely: Watch for any worsening symptoms.
- Do not administer any medication: Unless directed by a medical professional.
- Apply a cold compress to the injured area: To reduce swelling.
- Seek medical attention: Even if symptoms seem mild, it's crucial to have the person evaluated by a doctor or healthcare provider.
- Do not leave the person alone: especially for the first few hours after the injury.
- Rest is critical: Avoid activities that require concentration, such as reading, watching TV, or using electronic devices.
- Follow up with medical professionals: adhere to all instructions given by medical staff.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention:
- Call emergency services (000) immediately if the person exhibits any of the following:
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly).
- Repeated vomiting.
- Worsening headache.
- Seizures.
- Slurred speech.
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs.
- Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears.
-
Significant confusion or agitation
Download the AIS (Australian Sports Commission) Guidlines here!
This is an extremely comprehensive set of assets to help you make the best decsions for any one who has a suspected concussion.
Don't forget the 4 Rs
Recognise, Remove, Recovery and Return:
Concussion recovery varies from person to person.
It's important to follow a gradual return-to-activity plan under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
This plan typically involves a step-by-step increase in physical and cognitive activities.
Recognising concussion symptoms is the core of return and recovery.
Rembember!
Concussion in Sport Australia:
Website: https://www.concussioninsport.gov.au/
This is the official Australian government website dedicated to concussion in sport, providing authoritative information and resources.
Sports Medicine Australia:
Website: https://sma.org.au/
Sports Medicine Australia is a leading authority on sports medicine and exercise science, offering evidence-based information on concussion and injury management.
Australian Institute of Sport (AIS):
Website: https://www.ais.gov.au/
The AIS provides high-performance sport resources, including guidelines on concussion management for athletes.
Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP):
Website: https://www.racp.edu.au/
The RACP represents physicians across Australia and New Zealand, offering expert medical advice and resources on various health conditions, including brain injuries.
NSW Health:
Website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
NSW Health provides information on head injuries and concussion within the state of New South Wales, and links to relevant national resources.
