More than 573,000 Canadians aged 12 and older reported suffering one or more concussions in 2022, according to a report earlier this year from Statistics Canada. Almost one in four occurred during physical sport, such as football, hockey, ringette or skiing.
But as
StatsCan notes, many concussions go unreported. And, there is no definitive test that can accurately diagnose a concussion, which means new approaches and treatments are crucial.
The team at UHN's Krembil Brain Institute is working on advanced research in this area, including high-resolution brain imaging and searching for markers in the blood, which could help clinicians understand those patients who may respond best to particular types of treatment.
Dr. Charles Tator, Director of UHN's Canadian Concussion Centre, spoke with UHN News about the latest research in this area.
- What is a concussion?
It's an extremely common brain injury that, in most cases, responds to treatment. However, significant complications can occur if it's not managed correctly, including prolonged disability and even death.
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How can someone get a concussion?
While often associated with sports and recreation, there are other frequent causes: being hit on the head by something, motor vehicle crashes, injuries at work and domestic violence.
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What are the common symptoms?
Only a small percentage of concussions cause unconsciousness. More common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and memory impairment, but some only show up in certain activities, such as computer use causing headaches or a feeling of imbalance. -
What should you do if you think you or someone else has a concussion?
Seek advice from a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner. In Ontario, these are the only two types of health care professionals who can diagnose a concussion.
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What happens in the brain when a concussion occurs?
Scientists at Krembil are using advanced imaging to determine if concussions can cause blood flow problems to the brain and searching for biomarkers in the blood to diagnose concussion earlier.
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How do you treat a concussion today?
The guidelines previously recommended avoiding stimulation after a concussion, but that's changed. The current approach is to wait 12 to 24 hours, and then resume physical activity in moderation. But it's important to consult a medical professional as each patient's circumstances are unique.
