Concussion - What to do

I may have a concussion: What do I do?

STEP 1

Make sure that you tell someone (your partner, coach, parent, teacher etc.) so that you are not left alone. Remove yourself from sport, class, and/or work until a Medical Physician can properly assess you. Rest is the best treatment during the initial hours of the injury.

STEP 2

Schedule an appointment to see a Medical Physician as soon as possible. It is not usually necessary to visit the emergency room unless your symptoms are severe and/or rapidly worsening. It is not usually necessary to have someone wake you in the night - get a good night's sleep. Limit use of your phone, television, and computer in the first 24-48 hours. Avoid visually demanding tasks such as reading and busy/loud environments such as the grocery store or sporting events - try to rest both your body and your brain.

STEP 3

Undergo proper medical evaluation by a Physician. This does not typically include CT or MRI unless more severe injury is suspected or needs to be ruled out.

STEP 4

Visit a Shift Concussion Management Provider in your area for further assessment. If you have previously undergone baseline testing, repeat testing will demonstrate any areas that may be impaired due to the injury and will help guide management recommendations. If you have not previously undergone baseline testing, a follow-up assessment with one of our Health Professionals is still highly recommended.

STEP 5

Follow any management recommendations given to you by your Physician and Shift Health Professional. These may include physical rehabilitation (eg. for associated neck pain), specific rest strategies and advice around modified school and/or work requirements, specialized rehabilitative techniques (eg. vestibular therapy/exercises to help combat dizziness), and other recovery strategies.

STEP 6

Follow-up with the Health Professionals involved in your care so that your recovery is properly monitored. If you have questions - ask! Knowledge of your injury will aid in your recovery.

For more information on Concussions, visit concussionhub.org