Concussion & Helmets
Concussion: Direct Blow
Concussions can occur in a number of ways, by a stick, puck or ball hitting the head. You can fall off a ladder, slip on ice and then hit your head on the ground.
Concussion: Indirect Blow
An indirect way a concussion can occur is when you run into another player, a fixed object like a wall or goal post or steering wheel. When you have an impact such as this, your brain change directions and oscillates within your skull.
Symptoms of Concussions:
You don’t need to be knocked out to have a concussion.
- Inappropriate playing behavior (skating the wrong direction, shooting on own basketball net)
- Significantly decreased playing ability from earlier in the game
- Being slow to answer questions or follow directions
- Being easily distracted
- Being unable to do normal activities
- Displaying unusual emotions (crying/laughing)
- Changes in personality
- Irritability and low frustration tolerance
- Anxiety and depressed mood
- Sleep disturbance
Ask the individual a number of questions and determine there answer according to the following:
- Being unaware of time
- Being unaware of date
- Being unaware of place
- Being unaware of the period or score in the game
- Being generally confused
- How will you feel?
- Being dazed, dinged or stunned
- Having your bell rung
- Having a blank stare
- Felling dizzy
- Seeing stars or flashing lights
- Having ringing in the ears
- Having a headache
- Feeling sick or throwing up
- Noticing blurred vision
- Not seeing everything well
- Having poor coordination or balance
- Having slurred speech
If you have, or suspect you have a concussion, do not play until AFTER you have received a professional medical evaluation.
Learn more about the topics repetitive brain injury and closed brain injury
Helmet Safety
Now that you have learned about the dangers of concussions, you need to buy a helmet.
- How To Buy A Bicycle Helmet
- How To Buy A Lacrosse Helmet
- How To Buy A Motorcycle Helmet
- How To Buy A Skateboarding Helmet
