Concussion Awareness

At Temiskaming Thunder, the safety and well-being of our athletes are of paramount importance, which is why we place a strong emphasis on concussion awareness. We believe that knowledge and prevention are vital in safeguarding our players from the potential risks associated with concussions. Through education and training programs, we aim to equip our athletes, coaches, and support staff with the latest information on recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussions. We emphasize the significance of reporting any potential head injuries promptly and taking the necessary time for proper recovery. Additionally, our coaching staff is well-versed in implementing safe and responsible return-to-play protocols to ensure that our athletes can resume their activities only when it is safe to do so. By fostering a culture of concussion awareness, we strive to protect the long-term health and athletic careers of our players, allowing them to enjoy the sport they love while minimizing any potential risks associated with head injuries.

• Ontario Basketball Concussion Policy of Conduct

• Conussion Handbook

• Suspected Concussion Report Form

• Concussion Saftey - Rowans Law OBA Content

• Concussion Resources for Coaches

Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion is crucial for timely identification and appropriate care. It's important to note that not all individuals may display the same symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms can vary. Here is a list of common concussion symptoms:

• Headache or pressure in the head

• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

• Nausea or vomiting

• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Confusion or feeling disoriented

• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating

• Slurred speech or trouble finding words

• Fatigue or drowsiness

• Irritability or changes in mood

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleepiness)

• Balance problems or difficulty walking

• Inability to recall the events surrounding the injury (amnesia)

• Changes in taste or smell

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms are present after a head injury, especially if they worsen or do not improve. Ignoring or downplaying these symptoms can lead to more severe consequences and prolong the recovery process. If you suspect someone has a concussion, it is essential to remove them from play or activity and have them evaluated by a healthcare professional trained in concussion management.

Sport concussion assessment tools

There are two sport concussion assessment tools designed for use by healthcare professionals:

• Child SCAT5 for children ages 5 to 12

• SCAT5 for athletes aged 13 years and older

These tools explain the actions to take when a participant has a suspected concussion.