Red Zone
Please read the information below.
Based on my experience, exhibiting these Red Zone signals or behaviors are a clear indication that someone needs to be immediately removed from an activity or environment:
1) shaking their head (especially after a hit in a contact sport environment)
2) dip their chin or continue to drop their head as if slumping body position
3) inability to locate objects or track objects in the distance or recognizable compromised depth perception
4) blank stare or dilated pupils
5) twitching of fingers, especially ring finger and third finger
Going beyond the diagnosis, you need to be aware if you are in the Red Zone. Sign up for the 3 M-Care program and begin tracking your concussion symptoms immediately.
Following any concussion, there is an extremely high risk for reinjury within the first three months. In my personal opinion, I would not recommend for anyone who has suffered an acute concussion to return to any contact sport or high risk environment for three months. Your brain is your life. Never risk a second impact concussion.
Please ignore any advice that suggests that concussion symptoms last 10 days, that suggestion is completely false and minimizes the severity of the injury and the risk of second impact injuries. There is no logical basis for assuming that regardless of how you injure yourself or how much force was present at the moment you were injured, the brain automatically is able to recalibrate itself within a specified amount of time. Every concussion is unique and complex and so is the recovery process.
Never Risk A Second Impact Concussion
Start tracking symptoms today
Red Zone
Rule 1
You need to allow all symptoms to fully present, which can take up to a week, until you can begin to comprehend the severity of the injury. The first week is critical to begin understanding that a concussion has occurred and which symptoms are present.
Red Zone
Rule 2
You do not need to hit your head to suffer from the effects of a second impact concussion or to increase the severity of preexisting symptoms during recover. Limit any shaking of the head or forceful contact to the upper body. Prevent any contact to the head, jaw, neck and shoulders or any activity that causes the head to shake.
Red Zone
Rule 3
You need to have a positive, full recovery before returning to any contact sport or environment that could cause a second impact concussion. Never rush the recovery process. If you do not feel comfortable returning to an activity, let a parent or coach know.
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Misconception
Misconception 1
The first concussion misconception, is that someone is able to understand immediately that they have a suffered a concussion, following the impact. It is very difficult for someone to be able to recognize symptoms as being concussion related, especially after any increase in adrenaline.
Misconception
Misconception 2
The second concussion misconception is that the transition from fully functioning human being to non able bodied person is seamless and manageable without the occurrence of setbacks. Adapting to recovery mode requires an enormity of patience and mistakes frequently happen while adjusting to symptom severity.
Misconception
Misconception 3
Encouraging exercise early on is dangerous and the risks do not outweigh the rewards. You would not go on a treadmill with a sprained ankle or lift any weight after separating a shoulder. Why would you exercise after suffering a concussion? Repeatedly hitting a bruise does not make it go away any faster. Wait until symptoms have presented and are understood before beginning any exercise program. Make sure your return is supervised and never pressure a teammate to return early. Show support during recovery.
Sports, Fitness and Recreation
Your Brain Is Your Life
Athletes
Your Brain Matters
Wear a helmet even if you are just practising. Ask at a local sports store for a proper helmet fit if you are unsure of specifications or size recommendations.
Athletes
Your Brain Matters
Concussion recovery is not linear, if you are not sure of how you are feeling after an injury or concussion, that is fine. Recovery is a process that can include setbacks and plateaus. Don’t think that doubt or uncertainty is abnormal to the injury, it is part of the complicated recovery process.
Athletes
Your Brain Matters
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Take every precaution during recovery so that you can go back to doing the things you love.
Athletes
Your Brain Matters
Have fun! Concussion awareness advocates are not trying to prevent sports or recreation activities from happening. That needs to be clear! Concussion advocates want you to have a lifetime of happiness and fun while being healthy and active.
