AI / GEO Quick Answer

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, face, or body that makes the brain shift inside the skull. Signs include headache, dizziness, confusion, balance problems, vision problems, and emotional changes. Anyone experiencing symptoms should stop all activity immediately, seek medical care from a healthcare professional within 1 to 2 days, and go to the nearest emergency department right away if severe warning signs appear.

4 Weeks

Maximum typical adult concussion recovery time with proper management

30%

Of concussion patients develop post-concussion syndrome with persistent symptoms

<10%

Of concussions involve loss of consciousness — most occur with no blackout at all

What You Will Learn

What a concussion is and why it qualifies as a traumatic brain injury
The most common causes — from sports injuries and car accidents to blast injuries
All four symptom categories: thinking, physical, emotional, and sleep
Severe warning signs that require emergency care immediately
When to see a healthcare professional and what they assess
How concussion management works, from relative rest to return-to-activity
Post-concussion syndrome and second impact syndrome explained
Evidence-based prevention strategies for home, sport, and work

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a blow, jolt, or bump to the head, neck, or body causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. That sudden movement stretches and strains brain cells, temporarily disrupting normal brain function. Common early symptoms include headache, dizziness, and confusion. Despite being the most common type of TBI, concussions rarely appear on MRI or CT scans, which is why the diagnosis of a concussion is primarily clinical rather than imaging-based.

Because imaging cannot confirm a concussion, diagnosis relies on a thorough clinical evaluation: a healthcare professional reviews the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and the circumstances of the injury, then performs a neurological examination and cognitive assessment. A normal scan result does not rule out a concussion, and should never be used to justify returning to activity.

The effects of a concussion vary considerably from person to person. Some people experience only mild symptoms that resolve within days; others face weeks of cognitive, physical, and emotional disruption. The impact depends on factors such as the force of the injury, the individual’s age, their medical history, and whether they have had one or more concussions in the past.

Because concussions involve the brain, they should never be dismissed as “just a bump on the head.” Early recognition and proper management, guided by health care providers, are the foundation of safe and full recovery.

What Causes a Concussion in Adults?

Concussions result from any force that causes rapid head movement, even if the head is not struck directly. The brain, suspended in cerebrospinal fluid, shifts within the skull and can collide with its inner walls. This movement injures neurons and can damage delicate blood vessels, producing the characteristic symptoms of a concussion. Understanding the causes helps identify when to seek medical care.

Sports and Recreational Injuries

Football, hockey, soccer, rugby, cycling, skiing, and martial arts all carry elevated concussion risk. A direct blow to the head, a collision with another player, or even a fall to the ground can generate enough force to cause a concussion. Sports-related concussions are among the most studied, and a systematic review of the literature consistently confirms that athletes who have had one or more concussions face a higher risk of sustaining another.

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of concussion in young children and older adults. A slip on ice, a tumble down stairs, or a fall from a ladder can all produce significant head trauma. For older adults, the combination of balance problems and medication effects can increase both the likelihood of a fall and the severity of any resulting injury.

Car Accidents and Motor Vehicle Collisions

Car accidents are a significant cause of concussion and more serious traumatic brain injury. The rapid acceleration-deceleration forces in a collision, even at relatively low speeds, can cause the brain to shift inside the skull without direct contact between the head and a surface. Whiplash from a rear-end collision is a classic example. Wearing a properly fastened seat belt substantially reduces, but does not eliminate, this risk.

Blast Injuries

Blast injuries are a leading cause of concussion among military personnel. The pressure wave from an explosion can travel through the brain and disrupt neurological function even when there is no visible head wound. Blast-related concussions may present differently from impact-related ones, and their management requires evaluation by experienced health care providers familiar with this mechanism of injury.

Direct Blows and Assaults

A punch, elbow, or blunt force to the face, jaw, or body can transmit energy through the spine and skull to the brain without the head being directly struck. This mechanism is common in combat sports and physical altercations. Even a blow that does not seem severe can cause a concussion if the head is not braced or the neck muscles are not engaged.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?

Concussion symptoms span four categories: thinking and cognitive function, physical complaints, emotional and behavioural changes, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms can appear within minutes of injury or be delayed by several hours. Because some symptoms are subtle or develop gradually, all four categories should be monitored closely after any head injury. If experiencing symptoms that worsen over time, seek medical care promptly.

Thinking and Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive symptoms reflect a temporary disruption in how the brain processes and stores information. Common thinking-related signs include:

Confusion or feeling “in a fog” immediately after the injury
Temporary memory loss, including not remembering the event itself
Concentration problems and difficulty sustaining attention on tasks
Difficulty following conversations or processing new information
Slower reaction times and trouble finding words
Feeling mentally slowed or “not right”

These symptoms can interfere with work, school, and daily tasks. Concentration problems in particular may not be obvious immediately but often become apparent when the person tries to return to cognitively demanding activity. A healthcare professional will assess cognitive function as part of the diagnosis using standardized neurological tools alongside the patient’s medical history.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms are often the most immediately noticeable signs of a concussion. They include:

Headache or pressure in the head — the most common physical symptom
Post-traumatic headaches that may resemble migraines and persist for days
Dizziness or loss of balance
Balance problems that affect walking or standing steadily
Nausea or vomiting
Vision problems including blurry or double vision
Sensitivity to light (photophobia) — even normal indoor lighting can feel overwhelming, prompting the need to rest in a dark room; brief exposure to light can trigger or worsen headache (sometimes called light loss of tolerance)
Sensitivity to noise
Fatigue and feeling physically drained
Slurred speech in more significant injuries

Post-traumatic headaches are among the most persistent physical symptoms and may not respond well to standard pain medication. If headaches do not improve within the expected recovery window, a concussion specialist or neurologist should be consulted.

Emotional and Behavioural Symptoms

Emotional changes are a recognized and commonly overlooked category of concussion symptoms. The neurochemical disruption that causes thinking difficulties can also affect mood-regulating areas of the brain, producing:

Unusual sadness or tearfulness
Mood swings and increased irritability
Anxiety or nervousness without a clear trigger
Significant changes in personality or behaviour
Increased emotional reactivity and lower frustration tolerance

These emotional changes are not signs of weakness. They are a direct result of the injury. If emotional symptoms persist or worsen beyond the expected recovery window, health care providers may refer the patient to a concussion specialist for further assessment.

Sleep Disturbances

Changes to usual sleeping patterns are a key symptom category that is frequently under-reported. Sleep disruptions following a concussion may include:

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Sleeping significantly more or less than normal
Feeling unrefreshed despite adequate rest
Daytime drowsiness that interferes with function

Poor sleep can slow recovery and amplify other symptoms. Healthcare professionals often address sleep as a specific component of concussion management, particularly when symptoms persist beyond the first week.

Concussion Signs in Babies and Young Children

Infants and young children cannot describe their symptoms, which makes recognition harder. When a child experiences a head injury, watch closely for behavioural cues. A key warning sign is prolonged inconsolable crying — when a child cannot stop crying in the way they normally would after a minor bump, this warrants concern. Other signs include disinterest in favourite foods or toys, and significant changes in eating or usual sleeping patterns.

Additional signs that indicate a child experiences something more serious include appearing dazed or glassy-eyed, vomiting, and becoming unusually sensitive to light or sound. Medical staff or a paediatrician should assess any infant or toddler who shows these signs after a head impact. Do not wait to see whether the child settles on their own; seek medical care without delay.

Regulatory Compliance Notice

Concussion recognition and response is a mandatory component of Standard First Aid training required under WSIB Ontario Regulation 1101 and the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. Employers must ensure designated first aid attendants are trained in concussion assessment and know when to direct an injured person to medical staff or emergency care. Learn about Standard First Aid certification requirements.

What Are the Emergency Warning Signs That Require Immediate Care?

Most concussions are classified as mild TBIs, but certain symptoms signal a more serious brain injury such as a brain bleed, cerebral contusion, or skull fracture. Seek emergency care at the nearest emergency department or call 911 immediately if you or someone nearby experiences any of the following after a head injury:

Loss of consciousness, even for a brief period
Seizures or convulsions
Repeated vomiting that does not settle
Worsening headache that intensifies over time rather than easing
Slurred speech or difficulty forming words
Increased confusion or inability to recognize familiar people
One pupil noticeably larger than the other
Weakness or numbness in the limbs
Difficulty being roused from sleep

These are not typical symptoms of a standard concussion. They indicate that something more serious may be occurring, and a doctor immediately is required rather than a wait-and-see approach. Do not leave the person alone and do not assume they will improve without medical evaluation.

It is also strongly recommended that anyone who sustains a head injury see a healthcare professional within 1 to 2 days, even if the symptoms seem mild at first. Children and adolescents in particular should be evaluated promptly, as their developing brains are more vulnerable and their symptoms may evolve differently than in adults. A team physician, family doctor, or urgent care provider can conduct a proper assessment and begin appropriate management.

What Are the Correct First Aid Steps for a Suspected Concussion?

Prompt and appropriate first aid reduces the risk of complications. The following steps should be taken any time a concussion is suspected, whether the person is an athlete on a field, a worker on a job site, or a child at home.

Step 1 — Stop the Activity Immediately

Remove the person from play, work, or any physical activity the moment a concussion is suspected. Continuing to participate after a head injury dramatically increases the risk of second impact syndrome. No game, practice, or shift is worth that risk. The decision to stop should not be left to the injured person, who may underreport symptoms out of a desire to continue.

Step 2 — Seek Medical Assessment

A concussion can only be properly diagnosed through clinical evaluation by qualified health care providers. A doctor, nurse practitioner, or team physician will review the patient’s medical history, perform a neurological exam, and determine whether MRI or CT scans are needed to rule out structural injury. First aid providers should not attempt to diagnose a concussion, but they should arrange transport to a medical facility or encourage the person to see a doctor immediately.

Step 3 — Monitor Continuously

In the hours following a head injury, the person should not be left alone. Medical staff and family members should monitor closely for any new or worsening symptoms. Check responsiveness periodically. If the person’s condition changes at any point, call 911 and proceed to the nearest emergency department without waiting.

How Is a Concussion Managed During Recovery?

Concussion management has evolved significantly based on recent research. The approach depends on where the person is in their recovery and how their symptoms are responding. Health care providers typically guide the process through two distinct phases.

Acute Phase: Relative Rest

During the first 24 to 48 hours, the recommended approach is relative rest rather than complete bed rest. This means avoiding activities that significantly strain the brain, including prolonged screen time, intense reading, competitive gaming, and any exercise that raises the heart rate substantially. For those experiencing light sensitivity or light loss of tolerance, resting in a dark room during this initial period can meaningfully reduce headache intensity. However, extended isolation from all stimulation is no longer recommended once the acute phase passes.

Light physical activity, such as a gentle walk, is generally acceptable during the acute phase provided it does not reproduce or worsen symptoms. Staying hydrated and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule supports recovery. Over-the-counter acetaminophen may be used for headache; aspirin and anti-inflammatories are generally avoided early on. A healthcare professional should confirm which medications are appropriate based on the individual’s medical history.

Recovery Phase: Graduated Return to Activity

Once symptoms begin to improve, the person follows a stepwise return-to-activity protocol under medical supervision. This graduated approach is a key component of evidence-based concussion management: each step must be completed without symptoms before progressing to the next, and each step takes a minimum of 24 hours. Rushing the process is one of the most common reasons for prolonged recovery. Returning to full contact sport or strenuous work should never happen until the person is fully symptom-free and has received written clearance from a healthcare professional.

A similar graduated approach applies to returning to school or cognitively demanding work. Academic accommodations, such as reduced workload and additional time for tasks, are commonly recommended while experiencing symptoms. A concussion specialist, neuropsychologist, or the individual’s regular doctor can help coordinate these supports.

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome and When Should You Be Concerned?

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) occurs when concussion symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery window, typically defined as more than 4 weeks after the injury. Persistent symptoms affect an estimated 15 to 30% of concussion patients and can significantly affect quality of life, work capacity, and mental health.

Symptoms of PCS mirror those of an acute concussion but become chronic. Post-traumatic headaches are often the most prominent complaint, followed by dizziness, fatigue, concentration problems, sleep disruption, mood swings, and cognitive difficulties. These persistent symptoms do not mean the brain is still acutely injured; rather, they reflect a complex recovery process that has been delayed or stalled.

A systematic review of PCS management supports a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Depending on which symptoms persist, health care providers may refer to physiotherapy for neck and vestibular symptoms, to a neuropsychologist for cognitive rehabilitation, or to a mental health professional for mood-related symptoms. A concussion specialist can coordinate this care and adjust the treatment plan as symptoms evolve.

People with a medical history that includes anxiety, depression, migraines, or one or more previous concussions are at higher risk of developing PCS. Early intervention, including seeing a healthcare professional promptly after injury, is associated with better outcomes.

What Is Second Impact Syndrome and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Second impact syndrome occurs when a person sustains a second concussion before the first has fully healed. The second impact does not need to be severe. Even a minor blow during the vulnerable recovery period can trigger rapid, catastrophic brain swelling that is often fatal or results in permanent severe disability.

The condition is rare but disproportionately affects young athletes. This is the primary reason no athlete, worker, or student should return to contact activity before receiving full medical clearance from a healthcare professional. The rule “when in doubt, sit it out” exists precisely because second impact syndrome can develop from an injury that, on its own, would have caused only mild symptoms.

Anyone who has had one or more concussions is at elevated risk. A team physician, athletic therapist, or concussion specialist should be involved in any return-to-sport decision following a concussion, and a formal stepwise return-to-play protocol should be completed before full contact activity resumes.

How Can You Prevent a Concussion?

While no strategy eliminates concussion risk entirely, evidence-based prevention measures substantially reduce both the likelihood and severity of head injuries. The following strategies are supported by current research and public health guidance.

Wear Appropriate Protective Equipment

A properly fitted, sport-specific helmet absorbs and distributes impact forces. Helmets do not prevent the brain from moving inside the skull, but they significantly reduce the forces transmitted to the head and protect against skull fractures. All helmets should meet current safety standards and be replaced after any significant impact, even if they appear undamaged externally.

Use Your Seat Belt on Every Trip

Wearing a seat belt is one of the most impactful steps to prevent traumatic brain injury from car accidents. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. Both significantly impair the reaction time and judgment needed to avoid a collision, making the head, neck, and brain far more vulnerable.

Reduce Fall Hazards at Home and at Work

Falls are a leading cause of concussion across all age groups. At home, secure loose rugs, install grab bars in bathrooms, and ensure adequate lighting on staircases. In homes where young children live above ground level, install window guards on all accessible upper-floor windows. Window guards prevent children from falling and are one of the most straightforward and cost-effective steps to protect against fall-related head injuries. Paediatric safety organizations consistently recommend that families install window guards before a fall-risk situation arises.

At worksites, use fall-protection equipment at elevation, maintain clear walkways, and address slip and trip hazards promptly. Workplace first aid training covers head injury response and helps employers meet their regulatory obligations under WSIB and provincial OHS legislation.

Build Neck Strength and Body Awareness

Research suggests that stronger neck muscles may dampen the forces transmitted to the brain during a collision or blow. Strength and conditioning programs in contact sports increasingly incorporate neck strengthening as a concussion prevention strategy. Balance and proprioception training can also reduce fall risk, particularly in older adults experiencing age-related balance problems.

Know the Signs — Training Matters

Standard First Aid certification teaches participants to recognize all concussion symptom categories, apply the correct first aid steps, and determine when emergency care is needed. This knowledge is especially valuable for coaches, teachers, parents, and anyone in a workplace with elevated head injury risk. Childcare First Aid courses address the specific presentation of concussion in infants and young children, including the signs that indicate a child experiences something more serious than a minor bump.

Key Takeaway

Stop activity, seek medical care within 1 to 2 days, and go to the nearest emergency department immediately if severe warning signs appear.

Concussion signs span four categories: cognitive, physical, emotional, and sleep. MRI or CT scans rarely show a concussion, so clinical evaluation by health care providers is essential. Relative rest in the acute phase, followed by a stepwise return to activity, supports recovery. Post-concussion syndrome and second impact syndrome are serious risks when symptoms persist or a second blow occurs before the first concussion heals. Standard First Aid training prepares anyone to recognize symptoms and respond correctly.

Be Ready Before an Emergency Happens

Standard First Aid certification teaches concussion recognition, correct first aid steps, and when to seek emergency care. Courses available for individuals, sport organizations, and workplaces across Canada.

View First Aid Courses

Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Concussion Signs and Symptoms

Q1: What are the first signs of a concussion?

A: The earliest signs of a concussion typically appear within minutes of a head injury and include headache or a feeling of pressure in the head, dizziness, balance problems, and a brief period of confusion or mental fog. Some people feel momentarily stunned or describe their surroundings as moving. Memory gaps around the time of injury, slower reaction time, vision problems, and sensitivity to light or noise are also common early indicators. Not all symptoms appear at once; emotional changes and trouble falling asleep may only become noticeable over the following hours or days. Anyone experiencing symptoms should stop activity and seek medical care.

Q2: Can you have a concussion without losing consciousness?

A: Yes. Loss of consciousness occurs in fewer than 10% of concussions. The vast majority of people experiencing symptoms of a concussion remain fully conscious throughout the event. A person may be walking around and appearing relatively normal to bystanders while still having sustained a significant concussion. The absence of a blackout does not reduce the seriousness of the injury. All four symptom categories, including thinking difficulties, physical complaints, emotional changes, and sleep disturbances, should be monitored regardless of whether the person lost consciousness, and a healthcare professional should evaluate any suspected concussion.

Q3: How long does a concussion last in adults?

A: Most adults recover within 10 days to 4 weeks when symptoms are managed with relative rest and a supervised return-to-activity protocol. Children and adolescents typically take longer. When symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks, this is classified as post-concussion syndrome, which affects an estimated 15 to 30% of patients. Factors that can extend recovery include a medical history of migraines, anxiety, or one or more previous concussions, as well as returning to demanding activity too quickly. A healthcare professional or concussion specialist should guide management when symptoms persist.

Q4: When should you seek emergency care for a concussion?

A: Seek emergency care at the nearest emergency department or call 911 immediately if the person loses consciousness for any period, has a seizure, vomits repeatedly, develops a worsening headache, shows increased confusion, has slurred speech, has one pupil larger than the other, or is difficult to wake. These warning signs indicate a potentially serious brain injury that requires urgent assessment by medical staff. Even without these red flags, anyone sustaining a head injury should see a healthcare professional within 1 to 2 days for proper evaluation.

Q5: Is it safe to sleep after a concussion?

A: Yes. Current medical guidance confirms that sleep is safe and beneficial after a concussion. Sleep supports brain recovery and should not be withheld. The older advice to keep someone awake after a head injury is not supported by evidence. However, if the person shows any emergency warning signs before sleep, such as worsening headache, seizure, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, or unequal pupils, seek emergency care before allowing them to rest. A responsible adult should check on the person periodically during the first night to confirm they remain responsive. Changes to usual sleeping patterns are common concussion symptoms and should be reported to a healthcare professional.

Q6: What is second impact syndrome?

A: Second impact syndrome occurs when a person sustains a second concussion before the first has fully healed. Even a minor blow during the vulnerable recovery period can cause rapid, catastrophic brain swelling that is often fatal or results in permanent severe disability. This is why athletes, workers, and students must not return to contact activity before receiving full clearance from a healthcare professional. Young athletes with one or more previous concussions are at greatest risk. Impact syndrome of this type is rare but preventable through strict adherence to return-to-activity protocols and honest symptom reporting.

Q7: Can MRI or CT scans detect a concussion?

A: No. MRI or CT scans typically do not show a standard concussion because the injury involves microscopic neurochemical changes rather than visible structural damage. Imaging studies are ordered to rule out more serious injuries such as brain bleeding, swelling, or a skull fracture, not to confirm a concussion. This is why concussion diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation by health care providers, including a review of symptoms, medical history, neurological exam, and cognitive testing. A normal scan result does not mean a concussion did not occur, and should not be used to justify returning to activity.

Q8: What is the difference between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury?

A: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), specifically classified as a mild TBI. All concussions are TBIs, but not all TBIs are concussions. More severe TBIs involve structural damage to brain tissue and carry a higher risk of long-term impairment or death. Concussions are at the less severe end of the spectrum and generally resolve fully with appropriate management by health care providers. However, having one or more concussions over time can have cumulative neurological effects, and each subsequent concussion should be taken as seriously as the first.

Q9: What does concussion management involve at home?

A: Concussion management at home begins with relative rest for the first 24 to 48 hours. This means limiting screen time, avoiding cognitively demanding tasks, staying hydrated, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Resting in a dark room can help with light sensitivity. Light physical activity such as a gentle walk is generally acceptable if it does not worsen symptoms. Acetaminophen may be used for headaches; aspirin and anti-inflammatories should be avoided early on. All home management should follow guidance from a healthcare professional, and any significant changes in symptoms, particularly worsening headache, repeated vomiting, or slurred speech, require immediate medical attention.

Q10: Are concussion symptoms different in older adults?

A: The core symptoms of a concussion are similar across age groups, but older adults may face more serious outcomes. Age-related factors such as blood-thinning medications, reduced brain reserve, and pre-existing balance problems can complicate both presentation and recovery. Falls are the leading cause of concussion in this population. Increased confusion or memory changes after a head injury can be mistakenly attributed to normal aging, which can delay the decision to seek medical care. A medical assessment is especially important for older adults following any significant fall or head impact, and a doctor should be seen within 1 to 2 days even if symptoms seem mild.

Q11: What is post-concussion syndrome?

A: Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a condition where concussion symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks after the initial injury. Persistent symptoms may include post-traumatic headaches, dizziness, concentration problems, fatigue, mood swings, and trouble falling asleep. A systematic review of the evidence supports a multidisciplinary treatment approach coordinated by health care providers and may involve physiotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and cognitive or psychological support. People with a medical history that includes anxiety, depression, or one or more previous concussions are at higher risk. Seeing a concussion specialist early improves outcomes for those experiencing symptoms that do not resolve on a normal timeline.

Q12: Do helmets prevent concussions?

A: Helmets reduce the severity of head impacts and protect against skull fractures and lacerations, but they do not prevent the brain from shifting inside the skull, which is the mechanism that causes a concussion. Research consistently shows that helmets reduce the risk of serious TBI and death in activities like cycling, skiing, and hockey, but they do not eliminate concussion risk. A properly fitted, sport-specific helmet is still strongly recommended as it reduces the likelihood that an impact will cause severe injury. Helmets should meet current safety standards and be replaced after any significant impact, even if they appear undamaged externally.

Q13: Can emotional changes after a head injury be a sign of a concussion?

A: Yes. Emotional changes are a recognized symptom category of concussion. Mood swings, sadness, irritability, and anxiety can all follow a head injury due to the same neurochemical disruption that causes cognitive and physical symptoms. These emotional changes are not signs of a psychological weakness. They reflect the injury itself. Significant changes in behaviour or personality after a concussion should be reported to a healthcare professional, particularly if they persist. If emotional symptoms do not resolve within the expected recovery window, referral to a concussion specialist or mental health provider may be appropriate.

Q14: Is concussion response part of Standard First Aid training in Canada?

A: Yes. Concussion recognition and first aid response is a required component of Standard First Aid certification under both WSIB Ontario Regulation 1101 and the Alberta OHS Act. Courses cover how to identify symptoms, apply first aid steps including stopping activity and monitoring for deterioration, and determine when to direct the person to medical staff or emergency care. Employers in regulated industries must have trained first aid attendants on-site, and this training includes head injury response. Completing a Standard First Aid course is the most practical way for coaches, employers, and caregivers to prepare for a concussion emergency.

Q15: How can I tell if a child has a concussion?

A: Children, particularly infants, cannot always describe what they are feeling. When a child experiences a head injury, watch for changes in behaviour and routine. Signs include crying they cannot stop crying through, disinterest in favourite toys or foods, significant changes in eating or sleeping patterns, appearing dazed or glassy-eyed, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light or noise. Older children may report headache, dizziness, or say they feel “not right.” If any of these signs appear, remove the child from activity immediately and seek medical care. Do not wait to see whether symptoms improve before consulting a healthcare professional or taking the child to be assessed.

Sources & Regulatory References

Government of Canada — Concussion in sport: What you need to know, Public Health Agency of Canada (phac-aspc.gc.ca)
Ontario WSIB — Regulation 1101: First Aid Requirements, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
Alberta OHS Act — Occupational Health and Safety Act, RSA 2000, Government of Alberta
Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation — Concussion Recognition Tool and Management Guidelines (onf.org)
Parachute Canada — Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport, 5th Edition (parachutecanada.org)
McCrory P et al. — Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2017
Leddy JJ et al. — Concussion, sport and the patient, systematic review, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023

This article provides general health and first aid information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for assessment and treatment of any head injury.

Author

Andrea Tenedero

Andrea Tenedero is a First Aid and BLS instructor and and Instructor Trainer who genuinely loves what she does. With a nursing background, she’s passionate about teaching and sharing real-life skills. She’s all about helping people feel confident in emergencies and making sure they walk away ready to actually make a difference.