FAQs and Facts about Concussions

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Wait.. What is a Concussion again?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a sudden jolt to the body or the head. This sudden jolt causes the brain to shift or move within the skull which leads to contusions to brain matter.

 What are some symptoms or effects of concussions?


Concussions: How they Can Affect You Now and Later . (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2018, from https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2016/11/concussion.php

 What sports result in the most concussions in children and youth?

 There are more concussions found within competitive sports but overall football is the leader in concussion injuries.

Other Sports with high concussion rates include:

  • Boys' Ice Hockey
  • Girls' Soccer
  • Lacrosse (Boys & Girls)
Head Case - Complete Concussion Managements. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2018, from http://www.headcasecompany.com/concussion_info/stats_on_concussions_sports


What should I do if I suspect a child has a concussion?
  • Seek medical attention immediately 
  • Do not return to play until the child/athlete is evaluated 
  • Follow the proper protocol for recovery prescribed by a doctor
  • Pay attention to symptoms (ie. behaviours, irritability, sleep patterns, etc) as some symptoms do not appear until later
  • Rest as much as possible 
What You Need to Know About Brain Injuries & Concussions. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2018, from http://www.protectthebrain.org/FAQs.aspx
Team, B.A. (2017, August 14). Suspect a Concussion? How to Help (Not Hurt) Your Recovery. Retrieved February 10, 2018, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2017/08/suspect-a-concussion-how-to-help-not-hurt-your-recovery

 What is Second Impact Syndrome? 

 Second Impact Syndrome is a condition that results from an individual suffering a second concussion before the first one heals. More specifically the second impact causes an inability to regulate the intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressure ultimately resulting in cerebral edema and possibly herniation.

Second Impact Syndrome can be avoided by following protocol for recovery prescribed by a physician. This includes rest and a lengthy amount of time to ensure the brain has fully healed.

Symptoms of Second Impact Syndrome:
  • Recent concussion/head trauma
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Loss of Eye Movement
  • Unconsciousness 
  • Respiratory Failure
  • Death
Second Impact Syndrome | BrainAndSpinalCord.org | Brain & Head Injury (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2018, from http://brainandspinalcord.org/second-impact-syndrome/


What is Rowan's Law?

Rowan Stringer was a high school rugby player who suffered a fatal concussion when she was 17 years old. May 3rd, 2013 she participated in a tournament where she was removed from one game after experienced a headache from being tackled. On Monday May 6th, 2013 she was prepared to play in another game and said she felt great. During that game someone stepped on her head during a play and the headache returned but she did not tell her parents, coaches, or teammates. On Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 she played in her final game, where she sustained another concussion which caused Second Impact Syndrome symptoms. She succumbed to her injuries on May 12th, 2013.

Rowan's Law was developed by her parents and it passed unanimously at the Ontario Legislature on June 7th, 2016. The goal of Rowan's Law is to prevent further head trauma to athletes and to ensure proper recovery.

Some Recommendations of Rowan's Law are:

  • Increase education and awareness of concussions for parents, coaches, athletes and teachers about concussions
  • Provide better tools for coaching staff to identify concussions
  • Establish concussion policies within school boards and sport associations across Ontario
  • Increase education & training for medical professionals to improve treatment and management of concussions
  • Ensure coaches, trainers and teachers remove an athlete from play and do not let an athlete return to play if concussion is suspected
What is Rowan's Law and what does it mean for amateur sports? (2017, October 30). Retrieved February 10, 2018, from https://completeconcussions.com/2016/06/01/rowans-law/
Law, R. (n.d.). Meet Rowan. Retrieved February 10, 2018, from http://rowanslaw.ca/meet-rowan/


Below is a video that discusses Rowan's Law and its goal to educate athletes, coaches and parents about concussions.





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