A concussion is a brain injury that temporarily affects the way we think and remember things.

A hit to the head, neck, face or somewhere else along the body that causes sudden and rapid movement of the head may cause a concussion.

Some examples are, falling on the ice and hitting your head or colliding with another person at the chest during a soccer game.

Concussions are complicated brain injuries and therefore it is important that you keep these facts in mind.      

• A person does not need to lose consciousness to have sustained a concussion.
• A concussion can be caused from an impact to another part of the body – not just a hit to the head.
• Symptoms of a concussion do not always occur at the time of injury. Some symptoms may not be experienced until hours or days after the injury has occurred.

There are ways that you can help protect your child from sustaining a concussion.

• Make sure your child is wearing the right protective equipment during all their sports and activities.
• Educate your child about rules for safety. If your child is participating in a sport or other recreational activity, it is important to teach them the rules of that sport.

To help broaden your understanding of concussions, we have provided links to concussion guidelines and management tools from Think First Canada – a national leader in brain injury prevention.

Concussion Guidelines for PARENTS

Concussion Guidelines for COACHES

Concussion Guidelines for ATHELETES

Click here to check out the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia’s concussion card which also contains more information on concussion awareness and return to play guidelines.

NEW! Concussion Awareness App for your smartphone or tablet.