Concussion Information
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury - or TBI - caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. These changes lead to symptoms that may affect how a child thinks, learns, feels, acts, and sleeps. Symptoms are usually most severe right after the injury.
Concussions should be taken seriously. Most children with a concussion feel better within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some children have symptoms that affect their behavior, mood, memory, or emotions for months or longer. Having a history of previous concussions or experiencing more severe symptoms right after the concussion increases the chance of a longer recovery.
Prevention
Make sure your child has an HECC approved hockey helmet that has not expired and fits appropriately. Avoid leaving helmets in extreme heat or modifying the integrity of the helmet. Replace helmets that have been damaged. All NMICE players and goalies are required to wear HECC approved helmets and neck laceration protection.
Do You Suspect a Concussion?
If an athlete has any signs or symptoms of a concussion after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body, you should: Remove them from sports participation right away. Check them for concussion danger signs - an athlete experiencing danger signs needs to go to the emergency department right away. Keep them out of sports participation the same day of the injury and until cleared by a healthcare provider.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
Concussion symptoms are what your child is feeling after the injury. Concussion signs are what you or a coach see. Signs and symptoms may not show up right away - they may take hours or days to appear. Monitor your child regularly and watch for changes. If symptoms get worse, share this information with their healthcare provider.
Ready to Return to Play?
After an athlete with a possible concussion is removed from sports participation, the decision about return to sports is a medical decision that should be made by a healthcare provider. Athletes who return too soon have a greater chance of getting a repeat concussion, which can be very serious. Please provide a written release from your child's physician prior to rejoining practices. Each step of the return to play progression typically takes a minimum of 24 hours.