Concussion Management Information

BC HOCKEY / HOCKEY CANADA CONCUSSION POLICY & PROCESS

Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association is committed to protecting the health and safety of our athletes. Although we strive to prevent concussions, the reality is that they are part of the game. As a result, we have partnered with Strive Health and Performance (located in Coquitlam) and Complete Concussion Management Inc. (CCMI, a Canadian-based, international research and concussion care organization). From initial pre-season baseline testing to concussion treatment and rehabilitation, CCMI practitioners are trained to provide standardized healthcare solutions to effectively manage concussions, and ensure that athletes safely Return to Learn, Work, and Play.

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What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by acceleration or deceleration of the brain following a significant impact to the head or elsewhere on the body. The impact causes biochemical imbalances within brain cells, resulting in decreased blood flow and temporary energy deficits within the brain. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, headache, pressure in the head, neck pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, balance problems, and others. This includes "having your bell rung". Please watch the video below for more information about concussions

Treating Symptoms

During the early stages following injury, moderate, symptom-limited rest is recommended. CCMI generally recommends 24 to 48 hours; however, these decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Following a short period of rest, treatment may include a gradual increase in mental and physical activity. If symptoms persist beyond 10 days, exercise therapy; manual therapy of the neck; diet and nutrition changes; and vestibular and visual rehabilitation are proven to be most effective. The international concussion consensus recommends seeking the care of a trained and experienced concussion practitioner. The team at Strive Health and Performance meet this criteria.

Return to Learn, Work, and Play

Standardized concussion treatment and Return to Learn, Work, and Play strategies allow healthcare practitioners to safely manage these injuries, ensuring adequate recovery time, and thereby limiting the risk of further injury. At Strive Health and Performance, they will guide you through these stages to ensure optimal recovery. Please watch the video below for more information on Concussion Treatment and Rehabilitation

Baseline Testing

The biggest concern surrounding concussions comes from the energy deficit that occurs in the brain following injury. When the brain is in this low energy state, it has been well established that the brain is extremely vulnerable to additional trauma, where even smaller impacts can lead to another concussion; these second concussions can cause severe brain injuries with potentially permanent or fatal outcomes.

The problem is that symptoms (meaning how someone feels) do not coincide with brain recovery. Concussion symptoms often disappear days to weeks before the brain has recovered; therefore, having valuable baseline information may help healthcare practitioners to make safer return to play decisions.

A baseline test is a battery of physical and cognitive tests that provide a pre-injury overview of healthy brain function. These tests can offer healthcare practitioners with an objective benchmark on which to compare should an athlete sustain a concussion. The reason that the test is termed a “baseline” is because it is done BEFORE the athlete gets injured. To know when an athlete has fully recovered, we first must know where they were when they were healthy. Without having this information, there is no way to truly know when an athlete has fully recovered and is safe to return to their sport. Please click below to read more about baseline testing protocol and supporting evidence.

Testing Protocol & Evidence

As part of our partnership with Strive Health and Performance, CMHA strongly encourages baseline testing for our athletes. A discounted team rate is available for groups of 7 or more. To book your baseline test call Strive at 778-355-3050. The CCMI baseline concussion test is covered by secondary health benefits, which means you may be eligible to receive full or partial reimbursement.

Stages of Recovery

Concussion Tracker App

All players who complete their baseline test at Strive Health and Performance will have access to download this free app. However, if a player has not had a baseline test done but does sustain a concussion, they will also be able to download the free app once they have been assessed at Strive Health and Performance. Here are some benefits to having the app:

view your baseline results;

access to recovery information;

access to a diet recovery plan;

access to the stages of recovery; and

up-to-date information on your current stage of recovery which includes guidelines for things you should and should not do

Click on the following link to find out more about the Concussion Tracker app: https://completeconcussions.com/clinical-services/concussion-tracker/