Many people in Ontario do not realize that a concussion is a traumatic brain injury, and they fail to seek medical care after a car accident, fall, violent assault or head impact on a sports field. Sometimes, such brain injuries heal quickly, but it could leave a victim with post-concussion syndrome. It is unpredictable because not all concussion victims develop PCS, and symptoms can appear soon after impact or they can be delayed for weeks or months.
Brain injuries can leave victims with post-concussion syndrome
Brain injuries in children could have long-term consequences
Child play could be rough, and although most Ontario parents may not want to be overprotective, they are advised to become familiar with signs of concussions. Sometimes, a blow or bump to the head that seems insignificant could cause brain injuries. Concussions are never to be regarded as minor because they are mild forms of traumatic brain injuries that could have long-term consequences.
Brain injuries could have severe financial consequences
Some victims of car accidents in Ontario suffer injuries that change their lives in ways that most other people cannot even imagine. Traumatic brain injuries can turn a victim's full, satisfying life, surrounded by friends and family, into a life ruled by doctors' appointments and therapy sessions. Gradual withdrawal of friends is not unusual, only because they do not know how to deal with the stark changes.
The challenges faced by school children with brain injuries
Ontario parents of children who suffered concussions or other head injuries might be overwhelmed by the challenges they and their children face when it comes to the children's return to school. The reason for this is that the effects of brain injuries on each child are unique, and some changes will be more evident and visible than others. Also, some may last longer than others, and it is even possible for changes to become apparent after months or years.
The long road to recovery from traumatic brain injuries
Four years ago, an Ontario mother received one of the most dreaded calls from the police. She learned that her 23-year-old son suffered catastrophic injuries when a transport truck struck him. No one expected him to survive, but his will to live and his mother's loving care brought him to a stage where he wants to help other victims of acquired brain injuries to cope with their changed circumstances.
Car accident caused life-changing brain injuries
An Ontario woman recently explained how her father is struggling to recover from a December car accident that claimed her mother's life. The collision between her father's SUV and a transport truck happened on Trans-Canada Highway, and it caused severe traumatic brain injuries. She says it is heartbreaking to see her once active father in such a weakened state.
Coping with brain injuries can be a significant challenge
Concussions Ontario says the number of diagnosed concussions across the province in 2013 was 148,710. The group says concussions are the most frequently occurring traumatic brain injuries, and the symptoms can vary significantly. Some victims experience mostly cognitive symptoms that affect thinking and memory, while others struggle with balance, vertigo and other physical symptoms. Emotional issues are also common, and brain injury victims often suffer depression, irritability and anxiety.
Brain injuries: Do helmets and mouthguards prevent concussion?
Concussion risks for hockey players have been points of concern and multiple discussions and awareness campaigns in Ontario in recent months. Many players do not realize that concussion are brain injuries, and repeated incidents can cause permanent brain damage. Too much confidence is often put in protection such as helmets and mouthguards.
A mindset change might prevent brain injuries in hockey
An ice hockey coach, who has been involved in coaching for over 20 years, endeavours to change people's mindset toward injury prevention instead of changing the game. His coaching included all age groups and categories, from the youngest players to varsity and professional levels. He says coaches nationwide, including Ontario, have enormous influence on both players and parents. For this reason, he suggests that coaches are the ideal messengers of safer practices on sports fields in their quest to prevent brain injuries.
Bike helmets can limit the severity of brain injuries in children
In Ontario, all bicycle riders under the age of 18 have to wear protective helmets while cycling. Although helmets cannot prevent brain injuries altogether, they will limit the severity of head injuries. However, parents need to note that a bike helmet must be replaced after a fall as they are designed to withstand only one impact during a crash.
