Concussion - frequently asked questions
1. What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a common form of head and brain injury, and can be caused by a direct or indirect hit to the head or body (for example, a car crash, fall or sport injury). This causes a change in brain function, which results in a variety of symptoms. With a concussion there is no visible injury to the structure of the brain, meaning that tests like MRI or CT scans usually appear normal.
2. What actually happens?
When a person suffers a concussion, the brain suddenly shifts or shakes inside the skull and can knock against the skull's bony surface. A hard hit to the body can result in an acceleration-deceleration injury when the brain brushes against bony protuberances inside the skull. Such forces can also result in a rotational injury in which the brain twists, potentially causing shearing of the brain nerve fibres. It is not yet known exactly what happens to brain cells in a concussion, but the mechanism appears to involve a change in chemical function.
In the minutes to days following a concussion, brain cells remain in a vulnerable state. New research emphasizes that the problem may not be the structure of the brain tissue itself, but how the brain is working. The exact length of this change is unclear. During this time period, the brain does not function normally on a temporary basis, and is more vulnerable to a second head injury.
3. How do concussions occur?
Most concussions occur as a result of a collision with another object while the object or person is moving at a high rate of speed. Forces such as these (and others) can result in deceleration and rotational concussive injuries.
4. Prevention
It is important to take a preventative approach when dealing with concussions. This is especially true when there has been a recent concussion because the brain is very vulnerable at that time. Prevention of concussion and head injury is most successful when workers and athletes are properly educated and the safety rules of the working and sporting environment are enforced. Respect for the mutual safety of fellow workers should always be important. Because most often a concussion is an invisible injury, it is important to share information with the people surrounding you. This will help them understand your own situation and educate them for the future.
Protective equipment can reduce the risk and severity of head injury. It is important to have a good quality, properly fitted hard hat/ helmet for work environments and collision sports. Workers should follow safety procedures mandated on work sites. All protective equipment should be certified and well maintained.
* This document has been modified from the ThinkFirst-SportSmart Concussion Education and Awareness Program "Concussion Information for Athletes" handout, with additional input from the following organizations:
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Neurology Service Program
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Head Injury Clinic
- Safe Communities (Whitehorse)
Reproduced courtesy of: ThinkFirst Canada.
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