Concussion

Concussions are the most common form of head injury and represent a significant burden of injury to Ontario (Public Health Ontario, 2023).

Any school staff or volunteer who suspects that a student has a concussion must advise them and the parents/guardian to seek immediate medical attention.

‘Research demonstrates that a concussion can have a significant impact on an individual – cognitively, physically, emotionally, and/or socially. Most individuals with a concussion improve in one to four weeks, but, for some, the healing process may take longer’ (PPM 158, 2019).

A concussion can cause long-term effects. Individuals may experience symptoms that last for months or even years. These symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, or vision problems. 

Some individuals may even experience lasting changes in their brain that lead to issues such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or depression. It should also be noted that if an individual suffers a second concussion while they are still experiencing the symptoms from a first concussion injury (before they are free from symptoms sustained from the first concussion), this second injury can lead to “second impact syndrome”. “Second impact syndrome”, is a rare condition that causes rapid and severe brain swelling and often has catastrophic results’ (PPM 158, 2019).  

The 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) reports that over one-third of students, 38.2% have had a concussion in their lifetime, and 9.1%, about one in ten, report having a concussion in the past year.

Using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework, schools, school boards, parents, and community partners can work together to develop a healthy school environment. This healthy school environment can promote and support students' well-being related to concussion prevention, identification, support if injured, and return to learning.


Resources & Information for:

Resources

Lessons and Activities

  • Ophea- Learning About Concussions- Teacher Guide and Lesson: Created for grade 6 and 9 students, and these include a teacher guide, lesson, and an online student module. These resources follow a flipped classroom approach, which allows students to explore content at their own pace, acquire knowledge about concussions, and complete learning tasks to augment their classroom learning experience.
  • Brain Injury Association of Windsor & Essex County- STAR Program: Two available presentations adapted to educate students either in grades 7 and 8 OR grades 9 to 12. The acronym STAR reminds one to Stop activity, Tell an adult, get Assessed, and Rest after an injury to the head.
  • Ophea- Concussion Prevention, Identification, Management, and Prevention for Schools e-Learning Module: This module for educators, administrators, and support staff includes strategies and resources to assist in the education of concussion identification, prevention, and management.
  • Parachute- Brain Waves: This program is looking for coordinators/volunteers to deliver it to classrooms or community programs. Brain Waves is a free, informative, and fun half-day neuroscience presentation for students in grades 4 to 6.
  • Awareness Training Tool (CATT): Provides online education modules and resources for concussion recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and management. It supports physicians and licensed healthcare professionals by providing access to standardized tools to evaluate concussions in both children and adults. There is a section dedicated to School Professionals with an information package and an e-learning course. 

School Campaigns and Social Media

  • PPM 158 School Board Policies on Concussion: This memorandum addresses concussion safety across all school and school board activities and applies to all publicly funded elementary and secondary schools. It does not apply to licensed child-care providers, including those operating on the premises of publicly funded schools.
  • SchoolFirst: Supports Canadian youth and their return to school following a concussion. Information for school staff and students about building knowledge, creating a supportive culture, and knowing your role as a concussion champion.

Support in the Community

Additional Resources and Support

Support in the Community

Additional Resources and Support

School Campaigns and Social Media

Support in the Community

Additional Resources and Support