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How to recognize a concussion

It can be difficult for the average person to determine whether their child has suffered a concussion. The following is a brief version of a SCAT 2, which can help identify possible symptoms of a serious head injury. Concussion should be suspected in the presence of any one or more of the following symptoms, physical signs or impaired brain function.

Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure or convulsion
• Pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problem
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Neck pain
• Amnesia
• Dizziness
• More emotional / irritability
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Fatigue or low energy
• Feeling "slowed down" or "in a fog"
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering
• "Don't feel right"
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Sadness

Memory Function

Failure to answer all questions correctly may suggest a concussion.

• What venue are we at today?
• Which period is it now?
• Who scored last in this game?
• What team did you play last game?
• Did your team win the last game?

Balance Testing

Instructions for the tandem stance:

• Have the person suspected of suffering a concussion stand heel-to-toe with their non-dominant foot in back. His or her weight should be evenly distributed across both feet. The person should try to maintain stability for 20 seconds with his or her hands on their hips and their eyes closed.
• Observe the athlete for 20 seconds. If they make more than five errors - such as lifting their hands from hips, opening their eyes, lifting toes or heels, stepping, stumbling or falling - or remain out of the start position for more than five seconds, this may suggest a concussion.
• An athlete with a suspected concussion should be immediately removed from play, urgently assessed medically, should not be left alone, and should not drive a motor vehicle.

Back to "Minor hockey, major injury"

	About Wave Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books. Read the January / February 2010 issue of Wave