Sports-Related Concussions Among Canadians The Risks And The Treatment

1. Sports-Related Concussions Among Canadians: The Risks And The Treatment Physical exercising and sport activities play a central role in the lives of many Canadian people, especially children. Around 80% of parents reportedly take parts in physical activities alongside their offspring, and 79% support the initiative financially1. There are many perks to this. Besides health- related benefits, it has been shown that sports can play an important part in helping children develop self-esteem and social skills, be more disciplined and learn more about themselves. Sports do come with risks as well. Although some can pose a higher threat for concussions, such as football, ice hockey, and soccer, it can during any physical activity. In Canada, ice hockey accounts for almost half of all concussions related to sports and recreational activities in males aged between 5 and 19. With girls, the situation is different: just under 50% have suffered a concussion following a soccer accident2. According to another poll, one in five Canadians say they have had at least one concussion caused during a physical activity throughout their whole lives3. Concussion therapy can help with brain trauma If you are passionate about professional sports, you probably heard at least once that players are sitting out on games because of their concussions. Recovering from a concussion can vary and it can be a very slow process. Some people may experience PCS (post-concussive syndrome) symptoms. These are long-lasting impairments that can significantly altersocial-cognitive behaviour. Concussion therapy has the power to help with brain trauma. Because of the sensitivity of this issue, a team of healthcare professionals usually assesses,offers diagnosis and advice. There are two aspects one should bear in mind when evaluating the seriousness of a concussion: how severe it is and how long do the symptoms persist and the number of concussions suffered previously. People who have suffered a concussion canget better through structured concussion treatment. This can help accelerate recovery and promote well-being. Since symptoms vary and each individual experiences them differently, it can be tough to say exactly when someone will be fully back to normal and able to perform daily activities. Happily, finding a trustworthy therapist is not necessarily difficult, although it requires some background research. Therapies are now tailored to specific symptoms since research has revealed that there are six concussions types. The first one is related to mood and it can lead to anxiety or depression, the second one is cervical and it can cause headaches, while the third one causes post-traumatic migraines. Ocular dysfunction can lead to ophthalmological problems, while vestibular concussion affects balance and coordination. While the last one affects cognitive function, and thus concentration.4 According to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program representatives, 90% of individuals suffering from concussions make a full recovery by undergoing concussion therapies. 1https://www.participaction.com/sites/default/files/downloads/2016%20ParticipACTION%20Report%20Card% 20-%20Presentation.pdf 2https://infobase.phac-aspc.gc.ca/datalab/head-injury-interactive-en.html 3http://angusreid.org/concussion-in-sport/ 4https://www.outsideonline.com/1928476/new-science-concussion-recovery

2. A significant number of concussion cases can be preventable. Healthcare professionals recommend a smart approach to sports and, even though sometimes it is out of their control, a risk limiting view. Appropriate preventive measures are also encouraged. Diagnosing a concussion early and starting treatment can make a meaningful difference. Articles source : http://www.healthytipshotline.com/sports-related-concussions-among-canadians-the- risks-and-the-treatment/