Tips for Parents of Suspected or Diagnosed Concussed Teens

• Immediately remove your teen from the current activity whether it is sports, work or school.
• Seek medical attention immediately if your teen received a blow to the head, or body that results in one or more signs or symptoms of a concussion. Concussion symptom(s) can appear right away or several hours after an incident and can last from days to weeks to months or longer. If they last longer than 10 days, follow-up with a concussion expert.
• Put your teen on physical and mental rest, even if that means bed rest. This means no exercising of any kind, bike riding, playing video games, texting, talking on the phone, watching TV, reading or doing homework of any kind.

For more information:

Return to Learn Guidelines

Return to Play Guidelines

Concussion Guidelines for Parents & Caregivers

Interventions

Though concussions are never completely preventable, the following interventions are recommended to reduce the chances of experiencing a concussion:

1. Ensure all athletic protective equipment fits properly, including helmets and mouth guards, based on size and age considerations for impact sports.
2. Teach and use proper hitting and tackling techniques in body contact sports.
3. Wear a snowboard or skiing helmet when tobogganing.
4. Wear a helmet whenever you are on the ice, even for casual skating.
5. Adjust the headrest of your vehicles so that the top of the headrest is level with or above the top of your head and as close to the back of your head as possible to avoid whiplash.
6. Always wear your seat belt properly, with the shoulder harness worn across the shoulder and chest as opposed to under the arm or behind the back.
7. Walk cautiously and be attentive of ice conditions to avoid slipping and falling.

Returning to Activity

Returning to activity (school, sports, work etc.) too soon after a concussion can result in delayed recovery and impaired performance. If a second concussion is experienced before the first one has healed, children and youth may be at higher risk than adults for more serious brain injury with life threatening implications.

When dealing with concussions, it is important to see a doctor who is knowledgeable in concussion management. If symptoms persist, consult a physician. Once symptoms are gone, a physician, preferably one with experience managing concussions, should be consulted before beginning a step wise return to play process.

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For athletes involved in high impact sports, the Concussion Baseline Testing system is a recommended tool available in Sault Ste. Marie through athletic trainers and therapists. Testing is available at Catalyst Fitness, TMX Crossfit, Ignite Gym, and Sault College.

For more information:

Concussion Guidelines