When you are on the move and need to quickly refer to important facts about concussion, look no further. Scan through the following points and get yourself up to speed.

Fact Sheet

• Concussion can occur in traditional contact sports and sports such as basketball, netball, horse riding, skiing and hockey.
• 90% of concussions occur in competitive matches.
• Women are twice as likely to suffer concussion as men.
• Most concussions are not reported.
• Concussion may go undetected due to the subtlety and widespread occurrence of the typical signs and symptoms of concussion.
• Concussion symptoms can manifest immediately or hours and even days later.
• The risk of concussion is doubled if concussion has occurred within the previous 12 months.
• Children can be particularly vulnerable to second-impact syndrome (SIS) which can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
• Not all athletes develop the same symptoms or signs of concussion.
• Playing sport with concussion symptoms can cause long term brain problems.
• Balance testing is one of a series of concussion tests used on the sidelines or in medical rooms to diagnose concussion.
• The early onset of a concussion headache is most effectively treated with paracetamol painkillers.
• Avoid anti-inflammatories, especially within the first 72 hours, as they have been associated with rebound headaches and bleeding of the brain.
• Concussion symptoms in children can be worsened by going to school for a full day, attempting normal homework and tests.
• Limited use of computers, mobile phones and television is recommended when suffering from concussion.
• If suitably managed, typical concussion recovery time is approximately ten to 14 days.
• Between 10-15% of sports men and women require longer recovery times that may stretch into weeks and even months.

Do you need to know more about concussion? Contact The Sports Concussion Programme now.

Last updated 21 November 2013