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Concussion Recovery

Do you know the 4 R’s of Concussion Recovery?

It can be hard to know what steps to take for a suspected concussion. Continuing to play can increase the risk for another injury or long-term complications.

Follow the 4 R’s: four steps towards a safe recovery.

  1. Recognize: 
    Did you see an athlete get hurt?
    Look for signs of a concussion:
    • Headache
    • Unsteady
    • Confusion
    • Nausea
    • Change in behaviour or mood
    Tell a coach or someone in charge. In an emergency (loss of consciousness, double vision, seizure, neck pain/tenderness) call 911 immediately.

  2. Remove: If you think an athlete has a concussion, they should stop playing right away. They need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner before playing again. Playing with a head or brain injury can make things worse and cause long-term problems. 

  3. Refer: Athletes who might have a concussion should see a doctor or nurse practitioner. Bring your medical assessment letter when returning to school, work or sport. Your child’s care plan might include a gradual return to physical activity. Medical clearance is needed to play without restrictions.

  4. Return: Going back to play too soon can slow down healing and cause another injury. Your athlete’s doctor will help them make a full recovery. It is common for symptoms to get worse during activity. Talk with your care team if symptoms are severe or return after medical clearance. 

Visit the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) to learn more about each step.

Mental Wellness During Concussion Recovery

Hurting your head is a big deal. Some athletes report experiencing symptoms of social pressure, anxiety, isolation or even fear, making a full recovery challenging.

After a concussion, it is common to experience challenges such as:

  • Feeling stressed or overwhelmed
  • Changes in mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of identity and feeling isolated
  • Sense of urgency to return to activities (rushing the healing process)
  • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns

Did you know? More than 25% of athletes reported feeling pressured to continue playing while experiencing concussion symptoms.

Your mental and emotional well-being after a concussion matters just as much as your physical health.

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