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The Piscataquis County Ice Arena
Concussion Information for Participants & Parents
How to identify a Concussion
Concussions are dynamic injuries, and may present very differently from person to person. Symptoms may be present immediately following an injury, or take several hours to develop. You may observe the person in question showing changes in emotions (more irritable, sadness, nervousness), changes in their memory and cognition (feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating, trouble remembering), or mentioning they feel physically different (headache, blurred vision, nausea, bothered by bright lights or loud noises, abnormal fatigue, changes in sleep patterns).
What to do if a concussion is suspected
If you suspect the person in question has a concussion, remove them from activity immediately. Have them evaluated by their family practitioner, school athletic trainer or another credentialed care provider as soon as possible. Teenagers should not be allowed to drive until cleared to do so.
What to expect in the first few days
If the person in question experiences headaches, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly accepted medicine to use. Check with your doctor before using any other medicines. Be aware of and avoid environments that the person in question may be sensitive to (bright lights, loud noises, lots of movement). Encourage rest, but be aware that frequent and long naps can hinder normal sleeping patterns. If the person in question experiences repeated vomiting, has symptoms that worsen, has difficulty answering simple questions or decreased levels of consciousness, take them to your local emergency department immediately.
Length of Symptoms
Most recover from a concussion within two to three weeks, and are back to school or work full time within the first week. Everyone recovers at a different rate, and with different symptoms, making predictions difficult. Symptoms that last longer than two weeks should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider trained in concussion management.
Providing treatment for concussions
Rest. It is important to get physical and cognitive rest in the immediate days following a concussion. Avoiding triggers that are commonly known to worsen symptoms (video games, reading, watching t.v., loud noise, bright lights, computer and tablet screens, physical exertion) can help with recovery time. When symptoms begin to improve, it is okay to slowly reintroduce the above triggers on a limited basis, unless symptoms worsen or reemerge. Often light activity like walking benefits the recovery process.
Returning to school, work, and sport
While recovering, you should make adjustments based on symptoms and needs. Once the person in question has returned to full academics or work, they should begin a closely monitored return to play.
Concussion Information for Participants & Parents
How to identify a Concussion
Concussions are dynamic injuries, and may present very differently from person to person. Symptoms may be present immediately following an injury, or take several hours to develop. You may observe the person in question showing changes in emotions (more irritable, sadness, nervousness), changes in their memory and cognition (feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating, trouble remembering), or mentioning they feel physically different (headache, blurred vision, nausea, bothered by bright lights or loud noises, abnormal fatigue, changes in sleep patterns).
What to do if a concussion is suspected
If you suspect the person in question has a concussion, remove them from activity immediately. Have them evaluated by their family practitioner, school athletic trainer or another credentialed care provider as soon as possible. Teenagers should not be allowed to drive until cleared to do so.
What to expect in the first few days
If the person in question experiences headaches, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly accepted medicine to use. Check with your doctor before using any other medicines. Be aware of and avoid environments that the person in question may be sensitive to (bright lights, loud noises, lots of movement). Encourage rest, but be aware that frequent and long naps can hinder normal sleeping patterns. If the person in question experiences repeated vomiting, has symptoms that worsen, has difficulty answering simple questions or decreased levels of consciousness, take them to your local emergency department immediately.
Length of Symptoms
Most recover from a concussion within two to three weeks, and are back to school or work full time within the first week. Everyone recovers at a different rate, and with different symptoms, making predictions difficult. Symptoms that last longer than two weeks should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider trained in concussion management.
Providing treatment for concussions
Rest. It is important to get physical and cognitive rest in the immediate days following a concussion. Avoiding triggers that are commonly known to worsen symptoms (video games, reading, watching t.v., loud noise, bright lights, computer and tablet screens, physical exertion) can help with recovery time. When symptoms begin to improve, it is okay to slowly reintroduce the above triggers on a limited basis, unless symptoms worsen or reemerge. Often light activity like walking benefits the recovery process.
Returning to school, work, and sport
While recovering, you should make adjustments based on symptoms and needs. Once the person in question has returned to full academics or work, they should begin a closely monitored return to play.
