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Home » Our Services » Battling Concussions

Battling Concussions

Concussions are serious and need not be taking lightlyA concussion is nothing to mess with. It’s a functional brain injury caused when the brain is jarred or shaken inside the skull after a forceful blow connects with the head, face, neck or body. If the brain is not given enough time to rest and recuperate the repercussions of such a brain trauma can be life-long.

All concussions are serious and most occur without loss of consciousness. Early recognition and proper response can help aid recovery and prevent further injury, or even death.

If You See Any of These Warning Signs…

Cognitive

  • confusion
  • amnesia
  • disorientation
  • poor concentration
  • memory disturbance
  • foggy brain

Emotional

  • depression
  • moodiness
  • inappropriate anger, crying, or laughter

Physical

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • feeling ‘dinged’ or ‘stunned’
  • ringing in the ears
  • feeling unsteady
  • double vision
  • seeing stars, flashing light, or other visual disturbances
  • “not feeling right”

…Take Action

  1. Immediately remove the player from play and do not allow him/her to return to the activity.
  2. Do not leave the player alone – it is essential that symptoms be monitored.
  3. Take the athlete for a medical evaluation as soon as possible – do not let them get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

If the Athlete is Unconscious

  1. Call an ambulance immediately to have the athlete transported to the hospital.
  2. Do not move the athlete or remove athletic equipment as there may also be a cervical spine injury.

Symptoms often worsen during the first 24 to 36 hours and typically last for 7-10 days. However a concussion may take many weeks or months to heal if the concussion is severe or if the athlete has experienced previous concussions.

Concussion Management

Rest is essential. Physical and cognitive activity can escalate the severity and duration of symptoms.

The severity of the symptoms will dictate if physical activity should be completely restricted (bed rest) or simply modified to light daily activities.

Activities that require mental concentration such as school, work, reading, texting, watching television, computer work and electronic games should be suspended until symptoms abate.

Did we mention that rest is the key to recovery? The injured person should refrain from daily activities, including work or school, until the symptoms have reduced significantly, at which point the activities should be introduced gradually. Recurring or new symptoms must not be ignored. These red flags are clear indications that the brain is not sufficiently healed and it is imperative that the injured person stop their activities and take more time to rest and recover.

Return to Play Protocol

Returning to normal activities, including sport participation, is a methodical step by step process (PDF file) that requires patience, attention, and caution. Each step must be be taken in order and the recovering athlete symptom free for a minimum of 24 hours before proceeding to the next step.

Step 1: Complete rest until all symptoms are gone.
Limit school, work and tasks requiring concentration. Refrain from physical activity until all symptoms have ceased. Once symptoms are gone, a physician or qualified healthcare professional, preferably one with experience managing concussions, should be consulted before beginning a step wise return to play process.
Step 2: Light aerobic exercise.
Introduce light aerobic exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling, for 10-15 minutes. The player should be supervised by someone who can help monitor for symptoms and signs. No resistance training or weight lifting. The duration and intensity of the aerobic exercise can be gradually increased over time if no symptoms or signs return during the exercise or the next day.

  • Symptoms Reoccur: Return to Step 1 until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
  • Symptom Free: Wait 24 hours then proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Sport specific activities.
Activities such as skating or throwing can begin at Step 3. There should be no body contact or other jarring motions such as high speed stops or hitting a baseball with a bat.

  • Symptoms Reoccur: Return to Step 2 until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
  • Symptom Free: Wait 24 hours and proceed to Step 4.
Step 4: Begin drills without body contact.
  • If Symptoms Reoccur: Return to Step 3 until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
  • Symptom Free: The time needed to progress from Step 4’s non-contact exercise will vary with the severity of the concussion and with the player. Proceed to Step 5 only after medical clearance.
Step 5: Begin drills with body contact.
  • If Symptoms Reoccur: Return to Step 5 until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
  • Symptom Free: Wait 24 hours then proceed to Step 6.
Step 6: Game On.
Note: each step must take a minimum of one day. If the athlete has any symptoms of a concussion (e.g. headache, feeling sick to his/her stomach) reoccur with or following the activity s/he should immediately stop the activity and rest for a minimum of 24 hours – longer, if the symptoms persist. The athlete should be seen by a doctor or qualified healthcare professional and cleared before starting the step wise protocol again. This protocol must be individualized to the athlete, their injury and the sport they are returning to.

A Message from Serge Arsenault:

As coordinator of sports medicine for Université de Moncton and owner of Sportmed Physiotherapy, I believe that it is imperative that we provide our athletes with the best care available. While returning to play is relevant, it ranks a distant third to the lifelong health and education of our student-athletes. We must minimize the long term effects of injuries, especially concussions, and their potentially life changing repercussions.

Dr. Stephanie Melanson (Diploma of Sport Medicine) administers medical concussion assessments at our Sports Medicine Clinic. Under her guidance Sportmed’s health professionals provide the physiotherapy and kinesiology services that she deems necessary to facilitate the best possible outcome for those who suffering from this potentially incapacitating injury.

If you have been injured, call our office 506-859-4442 to book your appointment with Dr. Melanson in our Sport Medicine Clinic.

No referral necessary.

 

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Return-to-Play Protocol

Returning to play after a concussion is a gradual process. Once all symptoms have disappeared and a doctor has given the player clearance to return to activity, the player should do so following the Return-to-Play Protocol from the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, held in Zurich, November 2012.

CONCUSSIONS

There's Reason for Concern

Concussions can lead to long-term physical, cognitive and emotional health implications. If you’ve taken a blow, call our Sport Medicine Clinic at (506) 859-4442. No referral needed.

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Tucked inside the CEPS Louis J. Robichaud at Université de Moncton, Sportmed is easy to find. When you arrive, look for the designated parking spots and we’ll pay for your parking.

Without proper intervention injuries tarnish and restrict every aspect of our lives."

- Serge Arsenault

What one can be, one must be."

- Abraham Maslow

Canadian Physiotherapy Association

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