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Concussions

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, leading to a biochemical disruption in nerve function (rather than structural damage). Common causes include falls, motor-vehicle accidents, and sports injuries.

You don’t need to lose consciousness or have direct contact to have a concussion, and most won’t show up on a CT or MRI scan. Symptoms can start up to 48 hours after the incident.

During the early stages of recovery, it’s important to refrain from using substances like alcohol, cannabis or other drugs, as they can mask or imitate symptoms.

Be sure to book with a health professional for diagnosis and assessment as soon as possible. The first step is booking an appointment with a Nurse or Doctor at Student Health & Wellness for assessment, counselling and referral to the Student Support Team as required.

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Cognitive Symptoms:
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Feeling mentally foggy or slow
• Trouble finding words or processing information or cognitive or emotional flooding

Physical Symptoms:
• Headaches, dizziness, or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Fatigue or low energy

Emotional Symptoms:
• Feeling sad, anxious, or irritable
• Lower tolerance for frustration
• Increased emotional sensitivity

Sleep Symptoms:
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

Book an appointment with a doctor immediately after a fall or head injury if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening headaches
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Confusion, slurred speech, or memory issues
  • Unusual behaviour or aggression
  • Weakness, tingling, or seizures

Recovering from a concussion is a gradual process. Use this model to guide your activity levels and monitor symptoms:

First 24–48 Hours: Rest

  • Take it slow
  • Limit screen-time and turn on blue light filter on phone settings
  • Avoid strenuous physical or mental activities; light walking is okay / encouraged if tolerated in first 48 hours
  • Focus on self-care: eat well, rest and manage stress

Red: Reduce or Step Away

  • Symptoms: Intense or worsen with activity
  • Action: Stop or reduce the activity until symptoms improve. For example, take a break if reading or walking causes discomfort.

Yellow: Modify Your Approach

  • Symptoms: Mild and manageable but present
  • Action: Continue activities with modifications, such as wearing sunglasses or taking frequent breaks. For instance, go for a walk with earbuds to block noise.

Green: Resume Normal Activity

  • Symptoms: Minimal to none
  • Action: Gradually return to your usual activities and responsibilities. Adjust if symptoms return.

Important: Progress slowly through these stages. If symptoms worsen, return to the previous stage.

Concussions from incidents like falls, sport injuries or accidents can impact academics and daily life. Follow these steps for a smoother return:

1. Get Support:. Student Health and Wellness offers diagnosis and assessment, counselling and resource navigation support.

  • Contact the Student Health & Wellness Centre to speak to a Nurse or Doctor, who may request the completion of a SCAT form to score symptoms for progress managementÌý
  • with ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s Physiotherapy Clinic for a recovery plan

2. Start Slow: Begin with short periods of work or screen time. Increase as symptoms allow.

3.ÌýCommunicate: Inform instructors about your concussion to access support, such as deadline extensions.Ìý

4.ÌýAccess Academic Accommodations: ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ offers tailored academic accommodations for students recovering from concussions.Ìý

For play-related concussions, follow these steps to recover safely:

1. Get Support: Student Health and Wellness offers diagnosis and assessment, counselling and resource navigation support.

  • Contact the centreÌýto speak to a Nurse or Doctor, who may request the completion of a SCAT form to score symptoms for progress managementÌý
  • Ìýwith ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s Physiotherapy Clinic for a recovery plan
  • Any athlete returning to a contact sport (or a sport with a high risk of fall like skiing/snowboard) should have medical clearance before any contact (practice or game)

2.ÌýRest and Evaluate: Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24–48 hours. Light exercise like walking is encouraged if tolerated in the first 48 hours.

3.ÌýGradual Return-to-Play Plan: Work with a healthcare professional to make a plan for returning to play. Your plan may include the following:

  1. Light Activities: Start with light walking or stretching if tolerated in the first 48 hours
  2. Sport-Specific Drills: Practice movements related to your sport, no contact.
  3. Non-Contact Practice: Join non-contact sessions.
  4. Full-Contact Practice: Participate with medical clearance.
  5. Return to Competition: Resume games only after clearance.

For additional support, visit:

  • : Resources for returning to school, sport, work and daily life
  • : Book an appointment with a campus physiotherapist
  • Academic Accommodations: Access academic accommodations for concussion recovery

Did you know? ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ has a student society to find peer-peer support for students with concussions!

  • Destigmatizing concussion and bring injury while providing relevant brain health information. Connect with @headstrongdalhousie on Instagram!