B.C. recognizes first annual Concussion Awareness Week

September 26 to October 2, 2021 marks B.C.’s first Concussion Awareness Week. Concussions are a serious brain injury that can happen anywhere, to anyone, and at any time. Without the proper care and treatment, a concussion can have negative long-term effects. Concussion awareness is a crucial step to keeping sport safe and manage injuries effectively.

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms in order to properly diagnose a concussion and begin the correct course of action. Concussions are an invisible injury, and yet they require immediate recognition followed by 48 hours of cognitive rest. Because up to 50 per cent of sport-related concussions go unreported, athletes, guardians, and coaches should be aware of how to recognize and report concussion symptoms.

The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) is a series of online modules curated for different groups addressing concussion recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and management. With seven educational modules and resources packages to choose from, anyone from an athlete, coach, caregiver, women’s support worker and more can educate themselves on how to recognize concussion symptoms in themselves and others. Access the CATT modules here.

Concussion awareness is not only about ensuring that we know how to respond to a concussion, but also removing the pressure around reporting concussion symptoms. Many people do not report concussions due to pressure in the workplace, on the field, or at home, but this is a serious injury that requires support and care.

To access more resources on concussions, visit https://cattonline.com/resources/ and viaSport’s injury prevention page. Explore the #ConcussionWeekBC hashtag to find more stories and resources related to concussion awareness.