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CONCUSSION. EVER HAD ONE?

Most of us have banged our heads at some point in our lives.  It seems like a simple part of growing up.  But concussions are not simple.  They are very tricky….in a couple of ways.


First, there is no single definitive blood or brain imaging test to “diagnose” a concussion.   You might have a concussion and not even know it, if you don’t pay attention to common symptoms.


The second reason that concussions are tricky is because there is no agreed upon definition.  The effects of a head injury are different for each person.  For some, symptoms arise immediately and dissipate quickly.  For others, there can be long-term damage in brain structure and function.  


On a practical level, it is very important to get every hit, bump, or trauma to the head checked out, especially for our children who play sports.   There are several reasons for this:


  1. If a concussion is determined, the necessary steps can be provided to prevent further injury (like removing one from the current game/play) and a systematic recovery plan can be established.

  2. If you have an un-diagnosed and un-treated concussion, you increase your chances of re-injuring yourself.

  3. Repeated head injuries are cumulative and can lead to long-term brain impairment.


So, as we all play our fall and winter sports, pay attention to any bump to the head.  Be on the look out for common symptoms noticeable within the first few days:

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue or difficulty sleeping

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Concentration or memory problems

  • Blurred vision

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Being usually emotional (anxious, irritable)

If your child has any bump or trauma to the head – get it checked out immediately!



Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Source: Juniper Rose Hill Jan 2020



Written by: Kim Calder Stegemann

Kim (or Dr. Kim as some of her clients call her) is an educator, therapist, author, and researcher. She has spent her professional career helping others to make positive changes in their lives and feel better about themselves.

For more information about Kim, please visit: https://www.stableroots.ca/team

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