Concussions

The brain is made up of soft tissue and is cushioned by blood and spinal fluid.  When someone gets a blow to the head or his/her head hits something very hard, the brain suddenly shifts inside the skull and can knock against the skulls bony surface.  A concussion is a temporary change in the way the brain works when it is suddenly moved or jarred in this way.

Concussions can last a few moments or a person may be unconscious (knocked out or passed out) for a couple of minutes or longer.

Signs of concussion and/or head injury include:

• Severe headache
• Excessive drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Double vision, or pupils of different sizes
• Loss of muscle coordination, such as walking strangely, or staggering
• Any unusual behaviour such as confusion, irregular breathing, or dizziness
• Bleeding or discharge from the ears

Can concussions be prevented?

Injuries happen.  But the best way to prevent a concussion is to take care of your head.

• Always wear a seatbelt in a car.
• When walking across the street, always look both ways and obey all street lights and traffic signs. 
• Always use a crosswalk.
• Wear helmets or headgear and other safety equipment when riding a bike, riding motorized bikes or vehicles skateboarding, riding a scooter and playing contact sports.

If you use your head, you can protect your head!

 

Regards,

School Nurses’ Office
ISG Dhahran
330-0555 ext.2201/2202