Written by: Dale Orlando
A concussion is a relatively common form of brain injury, particularly in children and youth, and those who have been involved in a motor vehicle collision. Concussions are referred to as “invisible injuries” because they cannot be identified using diagnostic imagery, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans. Often, this makes diagnosis difficult.
After a blow to the head or body, the brain shakes inside the skull and knocks against its surface. In an acceleration-deceleration injury, the brain brushes against the bony protuberances inside the skull. In a rotational injury, the brain twists, which can cause shearing of nerve fibres. This physical trauma causes brain cells to lose normal functioning, which can result in symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, blurred vision, lack of concentration, trouble speaking, and more.
Because a personal injury lawyer in Toronto sees so many injuries, here are a few tips to help you avoid the all-too-common concussion:
- In the car, assure everyone’s seatbelt is properly buckled.
- Use child seats and booster seats when necessary.
- Wear helmets while biking, skateboarding, rollerblading and other pedestrian activities.
- Make sure your helmet is properly fitted using the 2V1 rule: 2 fingers distance across the eyebrows, a V shape under the ears, and 1 finger space between the strap and chin.
- Ensure that helmets are also worn during contact sports such as football, ice hockey, and boxing.
- Wear the right protective equipment for all sports, even if a helmet is not necessary. This can include padding, eye protection, and mouth guards.
- Ensure that the floor of any outdoor play area for children is made of shock-absorbing material such as mulch or sand.
- Know the signs and symptoms of concussion, and remove yourself from the situation immediately if you suspect that you have been injured.
Concussion Prevention Tips courtesy of cdc.gov and safekids.org
