What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion. How do doctors assess concussions. What steps should you take after a concussion. How can you identify and avoid concussion triggers. Why is sleep important for concussion recovery. What role does gradual return to activity play in recovery. How can you manage post-concussion symptoms effectively.

Understanding Concussions: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Concussions are a prevalent issue in the United States, with an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million cases occurring annually. As awareness grows, so does the frequency of diagnoses for these injuries. But what exactly constitutes a concussion?

Dr. Richard Figler, a concussion specialist, defines it as “a short-lived functional brain injury typically caused by a bump or blow to the head.” This impact initiates a chemical process in the brain as it attempts to heal itself. Depending on the affected area, various functions may be impaired, including balance, memory, focus, or even vision.

It’s crucial to note that concussions often involve a neck component. When the head is struck, the neck may absorb some of the force, potentially leading to additional complications.

Recognizing Concussion Signs and Symptoms

Concussion symptoms can manifest immediately or appear hours to days after the initial impact. These symptoms may fluctuate over time, making them challenging to identify and manage. Contrary to popular belief, loss of consciousness is not a definitive indicator of a concussion.

Dr. Figler points out, “Only about 5 to 10% of people who get concussions will experience loss of consciousness. Loss of consciousness does equal a concussion, but not having loss of consciousness does not mean you didn’t have a concussion either.”

Some common signs of a concussion include:

• A dazed or stunned appearance
• Personality or behavioral changes
• Confusion
• Brief loss of consciousness
• Clumsiness
• Forgetfulness
• Slow response to questions

Symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Balance problems
• Vision changes
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise
• Excessive fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional changes
• Sleep disturbances

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While most concussions can be managed with proper care, certain warning signs require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Repetitive severe nausea or vomiting
• Enlarged or unequal pupils
• Unusual behavior
• Inability to recognize people or places
• Seizures
• Severe dizziness
• Worsening headache
• Persistent vision problems
• Numbness or weakness in limbs
• Excessive drowsiness or fainting
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty waking from sleep

Concussion Assessment: The Medical Approach

Given the wide range of potential symptoms, medical professionals employ various tests to evaluate, monitor, and diagnose concussions. Dr. Figler explains, “We’ll test everything from checking their balance, to their reaction time, to some in-depth neurocognitive tests. But every evaluation will include a graded symptom checklist and then an exam to make sure that there’s nothing lurking that we don’t outwardly see.”

Additional assessments may include:

• Eye movement and function testing
• Cervical spine examination
• Thorough neurological exam

These comprehensive evaluations help healthcare providers determine the severity of the concussion and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Essential Steps for Concussion Recovery

Recovering from a concussion requires a multifaceted approach. Here are five crucial steps to facilitate healing:

1. Identify and Avoid Triggers

Understanding what exacerbates your symptoms is vital for recovery. Activities or stimuli that produce or increase symptoms are considered triggers. For example, if bright lights cause discomfort, you can manage this by dimming lights, wearing sunglasses, or using a brimmed hat.

2. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep plays a critical role in brain recovery, especially following a concussion. During this time, you may feel more exhausted from daily activities such as schoolwork or job responsibilities. It’s essential to listen to your body and allow for adequate rest.

3. Gradual Return to Activity

While rest is crucial, complete inactivity is not recommended for extended periods. A gradual return to normal activities, guided by your healthcare provider, can aid in recovery. This process should be carefully monitored to avoid triggering symptoms.

4. Manage Symptoms

Addressing specific symptoms can improve overall comfort and potentially speed up recovery. This may involve using over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches (as recommended by your doctor), managing light sensitivity with tinted glasses, or using noise-canceling headphones in loud environments.

5. Seek Professional Guidance

Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider experienced in concussion management are crucial. These professionals can monitor your progress, adjust your recovery plan as needed, and provide specialized treatments if symptoms persist.

The Role of Nutrition in Concussion Recovery

While not often discussed, nutrition plays a significant role in concussion recovery. The brain requires specific nutrients to heal and function optimally. Incorporating a balanced diet rich in these elements can support the recovery process.

Key Nutrients for Brain Health

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these support brain function and may reduce inflammation.
• Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables high in vitamins C and E can help combat oxidative stress.
• Protein: Essential for repairing and rebuilding brain tissue.
• Complex carbohydrates: Provide steady energy for the brain’s healing process.

Staying hydrated is equally important, as dehydration can exacerbate concussion symptoms. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

The Impact of Concussions on Mental Health

Concussions can have significant effects on mental health, often overlooked in the recovery process. Many individuals experience mood changes, anxiety, or depression following a concussion. These emotional symptoms can be as challenging to manage as the physical ones.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns

If you’re experiencing persistent mood changes or mental health issues following a concussion, consider the following steps:

1. Communicate with your healthcare provider about your emotional symptoms.
2. Consider speaking with a mental health professional experienced in post-concussion care.
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or gentle yoga (as approved by your doctor).
4. Join a support group for individuals recovering from concussions.

Remember, emotional symptoms are a valid part of concussion recovery and should be addressed with the same care as physical symptoms.

Long-Term Effects and Repeated Concussions

While most people recover fully from a single concussion, repeated concussions or improper management of a concussion can lead to long-term effects. These may include persistent post-concussive symptoms, increased risk of future concussions, and in rare cases, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Preventing Future Concussions

To minimize the risk of future concussions and their potential cumulative effects:

• Always wear appropriate protective gear during sports and high-risk activities.
• Follow safety guidelines and rules in sports and recreational activities.
• Strengthen neck muscles to help absorb impact forces.
• Ensure complete recovery before returning to high-risk activities.
• Be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidents that could lead to head injuries.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Concussion Management

The field of concussion research is rapidly evolving, with new treatments and management strategies emerging. While these approaches may not be widely available or fully validated, they represent promising avenues for future concussion care.

Innovative Approaches to Concussion Treatment

• Neurofeedback: This technique aims to retrain brain wave patterns to alleviate symptoms.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
• Virtual reality therapy: Used to assess and treat balance and visual processing issues.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: While controversial, some studies suggest it may aid in brain healing.
• Nutritional supplements: Ongoing research into specific supplements that may support brain recovery.

It’s important to note that these treatments are still being studied, and their effectiveness may vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering any new or experimental treatments.

The Importance of Individualized Care in Concussion Recovery

Every concussion is unique, and recovery paths can vary significantly between individuals. What works for one person may not be effective for another. This is why personalized care is crucial in concussion management.

Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs

Factors that may influence an individual’s recovery plan include:

• The severity and location of the injury
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Age and overall health
• Previous concussion history
• Specific symptoms experienced

Healthcare providers should work closely with patients to develop a recovery plan that addresses their unique symptoms and circumstances. This may involve a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating various specialists such as neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and mental health professionals.

Regular reassessment and adjustment of the treatment plan are essential to ensure optimal recovery. Patients should feel empowered to communicate openly with their healthcare team about their progress, concerns, and any changes in symptoms.

The Role of Technology in Concussion Diagnosis and Management

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing the way concussions are diagnosed, monitored, and treated. These innovations offer more precise assessments and personalized treatment options.

Cutting-Edge Tools in Concussion Care

• Advanced neuroimaging techniques: High-resolution MRI and functional MRI can provide detailed insights into brain structure and function post-concussion.
• Wearable devices: These can track symptoms, activity levels, and sleep patterns, providing valuable data for healthcare providers.
• Mobile apps: Designed to assist with symptom tracking, cognitive exercises, and providing education about concussion recovery.
• Computerized neurocognitive testing: Offers objective measures of cognitive function, helping to track recovery progress.
• Eye-tracking technology: Can detect subtle abnormalities in eye movement that may indicate a concussion.

While these technologies show promise, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, comprehensive clinical evaluation by experienced healthcare professionals.

As research continues to advance our understanding of concussions, treatment approaches will likely become increasingly sophisticated and tailored to individual needs. Staying informed about these developments can help patients and healthcare providers make the best decisions for concussion care and recovery.

How to Help Your Concussion Recovery – Cleveland Clinic

Between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions are believed to occur across the United States each year. Thankfully, an increased awareness has prompted an increase in diagnosis of concussive injuries.

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But what exactly is a concussion?

“It’s a short-lived functional brain injury typically caused by a bump or blow to the head,” explains concussion specialist, Richard Figler, MD. “A concussion sets off a chemical process in the brain as it’s trying to heal itself. During that process, and depending on what part of the brain was impacted, it can affect different functions like balance, memory, focus or even cause visual disturbances.”

There’s also usually a neck component when it comes to concussions. When you hit your head, the neck can take on some of that force as well.

If you’ve been diagnosed or suspect that a friend or family member has a concussion, treatment — including physical and mental rest — should start right away. Don’t wait to seek help from a medical professional with expertise in evaluating and managing concussions.

What are the signs, symptoms & warning signs of a concussion?

Signs and symptoms of a concussion can occur immediately, hours or even days after the initial “hit” or fall. Symptoms can change over time, depending on activity level and with other potentially associated injuries, making them difficult to recognize and manage.

“Only about 5 to 10% of people who get concussions will experience loss of consciousness,” says Dr. Figler. “Loss of consciousness does equal a concussion, but not having loss of consciousness does not mean you didn’t have a concussion either.”

Anyone experiencing or demonstrating any of the following sign and symptoms after suffering a direct blow or jarring contact with their head or body may have a concussion and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Signs:

• A dazed or stunned appearance.
• Personality or behavioral changes.
• Confusion.
• Loss of consciousness — even brief.
• Clumsiness.
• Forgetfulness.
• Seems “out of it.”
• Forgetting events prior to or after a “hit.”
• Slow response to questions or repeatedly asking questions.

Symptoms:

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Balance problems.
• Double, blurry or changed vision.
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise.
• Excessive fatigue or drowsiness.
• Trouble comprehending, concentrating and/or paying attention.
• Irritability, nervousness.
• Feeling increasingly emotional or sad.
• Feeling “just not right” or in a “fog.”
• Changes in sleep patterns.

Because more concerning problems can arise in the first 24 to 48 hours after a head injury, anyone suspected of sustaining a concussion should be monitored for worsening symptoms.

If you have any concerns or notice any of the following warning signs after a head injury, always seek medical attention immediately.

Warning signs:

• Repetitive severe nausea or vomiting.
• Pupils that are enlarged or unequal in size.
• Unusual or bizarre behavior.
• Inability to recognize people or places.
• Seizures.
• Severe dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
• Progressively worsening headache.
• Double or blurry vision.
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, clumsiness.
• Excessive drowsiness or fainting.
• Slurred speech.
• Difficulty waking from sleep.

How do doctors assess a concussion?

Since there’s such a wide range of symptoms, doctors use an array of tests to evaluate, monitor and diagnose a concussion.

“We’ll test everything from checking their balance, to their reaction time, to some in-depth neurocognitive tests,” says Dr. Figler. “But every evaluation will include a graded symptom checklist and then an exam to make sure that there’s nothing lurking that we don’t outwardly see. ”

Other tests can include: eye movement and function testing, a cervical spine exam and a thorough neurological exam to make sure there’s nothing underlying that might warrant further imaging or testing down the road.

5 steps to take after a concussion

Follow these tips to start the healing process after a concussion:

1. Identify and avoid triggers. Any activity that produces or increases symptoms is considered a trigger. It’s important for you to know what aggravates your symptoms to help recovery.  For example, if bright lights are bothering you more than they have in the past, control that brightness by turning down the light, wear sunglasses or use a brimmed hat such as a baseball cap.
2. Get some sleep. Our brain recovers during sleep. Sleep is even more important when recovering from a concussion. Dr. Figler says it’s common to feel more exhausted from daily activities such as school or homework while recovering from a concussion. If needed, take short naps (30 to 60 minutes) when tired. But try not to take so many that they interfere with your ability to sleep later on at night. Minimize any distractions, such as TV or phones, while trying to fall asleep.
3. Rest your brain. Over stimulating your brain after a head injury will not allow it to rest and recover. Using your brain to think hard, read, study or try to learn new material may be very difficult and may aggravate your condition. Processing new information can be harder for anyone who is concussed. If you have work or studying to do, spread it out and take frequent breaks. Students should talk to teachers about adjusting assignments while they recover.
4. Rest your body. While recovering, avoid doing anything that significantly increases your heart rate unless you’ve been cleared by a physician. Light activity, such as walking or riding a stationary bike, may actually help in your recovery, as long as it doesn’t worsen the symptoms.
5. Be smart. Rest and recover. Returning to sports or other activities too soon after a concussion can worsen symptoms and keep you off the court or field longer.

4 things to avoid after a concussion

Steer clear of these things to optimize your recovery:

1. Excessive physical activity. An increased heart rate may worsen your symptoms, dragging out your recovery.
2. Strenuous mental activities. Reading, computer work, playing video games, texting and watching TV can overstimulate your brain, says Dr. Figler. It’s OK to try these activities, but if symptoms occur, you should stop, rest and recover before returning to them.
3. Driving too soon. As a precaution, do not drive for at least 24 hours after a concussive injury. Your reaction time may be slowed down, increasing the risk of accidents and further injury.
4. Pain relievers. Use caution taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®). Theoretically, they may increase your risk of bleeding. They can also mask symptoms, leading to worsening symptoms when the medications wear off.

Why Use Ice? – Ice Your Head

There are many proven benefits to icing your head and neck to promote healing, manage pain, lessen concussion symptoms**, and aid in recovery.  You can read more specific details about studies in the areas of selective brain cooling and neck cooling on our research pages.

A Summary of What We Know Today About Icing Your Head:

• Core and brain temperature are naturally elevated after exertion or injury and normalizing that temperature is an important aspect of recovery.  External cooling applied to the head and neck can be effective at lowering brain temperature by small amounts and these reductions in temperature may have a positive impact on healing.
• ** Researchers in New Zealand have shown that head and neck cooling is effective in managing clinical symptoms after suffering a sports related concussion. Both male and female study participants exhibited lower Concussion Symptom Scale (CSS) scores after wearing the Cryohelmet for an average of about 20 minutes. Click here to read the full study.
• Using ice on your head and neck to reduce migraine pain has been a commonly accepted practice for decades and many people respond very well to cold therapy for migraines and other headache disorders.
• There is no proven cure yet for mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions).  People who suffer an injury have to “wait it out” and gradually return to their normal life as their symptoms subside.  Management of these symptoms (such as headache and disrupted sleep patterns) helps to promote a positive outlook on recovery and general mental state.
• Researchers in the U.S. and New Zealand are currently investigating potential benefits of head cooling after a concussion.
• An accumulation of small head impacts over time can have similar negative effects on brain health to one large impact and preliminary studies show that cooling can help to minimize these effects.
• Hospitals utilize selective hypothermia to minimize brain damage after cardiac arrest, stroke, and severe head trauma.

Why Not Ice Your Head?

• Research to date on icing your head and neck shows positive effects with no known negative consequences.
• Ice is commonly used to treat many forms of injuries to the rest of your body.
• Psychologically, you just feel better when you cool your head and neck in hot conditions and there are proven benefits to athletic performance from icing in between hard efforts in the heat.
• We believe that all sports teams and athletic trainers should have a method of applying cooling to the head and neck on hand, such as the Cryohelmet, for treatment of minor head injuries, heat illnesses, and for acute treatment of concussions.

Keep in mind, icing your head is not a substitute for seeking proper medical attention for a head injury.  It is important that you talk to a medical professional after any blow to the head or in any case of a potential concussion.

This is an interview with Kevin Jackson, former University of Illinois football player and Senior Researcher at the Beckman Institute.  Kevin discusses his work as a concussion spotter for the University’s football team and his research on head and neck cooling to combat brain injuries.  Kevin can be seen modeling the Catalyst Cryohelmet during the video.

MORE VIDEOS:

Hear professional baseball catcher Rene Rivera talk about why he and his family ice their heads using the Cryohelmet.

*Disclaimer: The Catalyst Cryohelmet is not guaranteed to prevent or cure any or all head trauma.  This website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this website or materials linked from it is at the user’s own risk. The content of this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

How to Treat a Concussion (Hint: It’s Not Rest)

If you visit a healthcare professional for a concussion, you’ll probably be told to lie down in a dark room until all your symptoms go away. If you get any other advice, it’s usually just another way of saying, “Rest.” But in most cases, that’s not the best way to treat a concussion. And in our experience treating hundreds of patients, many of whom have had symptoms that lasted for months or years, we know that it can be frustratingly ineffective.

Fortunately, there’s another way. In this guide to treating a concussion, we’ll answer commonly asked questions and share our findings after years of research and treating patients. We’ll cover:

As you’ll see, there’s a lot more you can do to recover from a concussion than lie around in bed all day.

Note: Have your concussion symptoms lingered for weeks, months, or even years? On average, our patients improve by 75% after treatment at our center specializing in post-concussion therapy. To see if you are eligible for treatment, sign up for a free consultation. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion: Do You Have a Concussion?

A concussion is the same thing as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). You don’t have to receive a blow to the head to get a concussion: A concussion may occur whenever you receive a hit, shake, or jolt to the head. For example, if your car stops suddenly, your brain might be jarred enough to hit your skull. If it does, that jostling is enough to cause concussion symptoms.

If you have any of the symptoms of a concussion listed in the checklist we created (see below), and you received a known bump or shake to the head, you probably have a concussion. You can learn more about concussion symptoms, when they appear and disappear, and why in our guide to the symptoms of a concussion.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any signs of a concussion that constitute an emergency, such as loss of consciousness or convulsions, seek medical care at an emergency room immediately. If you’re experiencing less dangerous but still serious symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, or notable balance problems, it’s not a bad idea to see a medical professional.

Otherwise, most concussions can be treated at home, at least for the first three weeks. If after three weeks your symptoms haven’t resolved, you’ll need more targeted therapy than you can receive at home. But we’ll revisit that topic later.

What to Do After a Concussion

What you do after a concussion depends on the severity of the head injury. If you have significant bleeding, structural damage, or any of the emergency symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor immediately.

If you’re not in immediate danger, then you have a choice. You can see a doctor just to be safe, or you can try to treat the concussion at home. Here’s what to expect in either situation. 

How Do Doctors Treat a Concussion?

If you visit a general practitioner, you probably won’t get any treatment you couldn’t get at home. Most family doctors stick to old concussion advice: bedrest in a dark room with no screens or strenuous activity. If any structural damage is suspected, they might order a CT scan or an MRI. Unfortunately, those scans don’t provide information about the cellular damage caused by a concussion. (For that, you would need an fNCI.)

If you visit a sports medicine practitioner, there’s a chance that you’ll get more up-to-date medical advice. But concussion healthcare definitely varies from doctor to doctor.

Here’s what we recommend as a first step. 

How to Treat a Concussion at Home

Rest is an important aspect of treating a concussion. But it’s not the only thing you should be doing. A good concussion recovery includes exercise and cognitive stimulation. Why?

When you get a concussion, there is an initial period of inflammation and a temporary breakdown of tiny structures in and around the brain cells at the site of your injury. Because of that, the affected cells can’t signal for oxygen. When they don’t get enough oxygen, they can’t complete the cognitive processes — like seeing, thinking, or reading — they were trying to achieve. As a result, other neural pathways pick up that task, but it’s harder on your brain.

Ideally, your brain will return to the normal, more effective neural pathways when inflammation goes down. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. When it doesn’t, patients can be left with lingering symptoms for weeks, months, or even years.

Physical exertion and cognitive exercise, in reasonable quantities, will increase your chances of healing properly. Here’s the specific regimen we recommend:

1. Do cardio for about 30 minutes a day or as tolerated.

Don’t do any exercises that would result in jostling your head. For example, you shouldn’t go for a run as your cardio workout. If you have access to a stationary bike or an elliptical machine, those are ideal for getting your blood pumping without making your concussion worse.

If you don’t have access to exercise equipment, do your best to get your heart rate up with calisthenic exercises. If you have any dizziness or difficulty balancing, switch to something that doesn’t aggravate your symptoms. You can read more about how to exercise after a concussion here.

If you can’t make it thirty minutes without a sharp increase in symptom severity (such as dizziness or headaches), just go as long as you can. Physical activity once per day makes a big difference in healing.

2. Immediately after exercising, engage in cognitively demanding activities — like reading.

Now that you’ve gotten your blood pumping, use that extra oxygen to reinforce healthy pathways. Try reading a book or having an intellectually demanding conversation with someone. If that’s not an option, solve a puzzle like Sudoku. Do that for another thirty minutes or as tolerated. Here is a list of cognitively stimulating activities you can do at home.

3. Calm your autonomic nervous system.

Your autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the processes in your body that you don’t think about, can be impacted by a concussion. Damage to that region can cause everything from heartbeat irregularities to skyrocketing stress.

While exercise will help, it’s also good to relax in any way you can. People turn to meditation, prayer, soothing music, yoga, and other calming activities to ease the strain on their ANS. There’s also an app called 35 Binaural Series that will help.

Plan on resting for the majority of your day.

4. Rest from screens and try to do some normal activities if you can.

This part of traditional concussion advice is good: If you can, give the electronics a break. That’s not to say you can’t have any time in front of screens, but you shouldn’t spend the whole day playing video games.

Exposure to normal non-screen activities will help your brain recover. Doing chores, chatting with friends, and even light work could be helpful. Remember to rest in between these activities as needed.

5. Return to work or school gradually.

If at all possible, gradually increase your return to everyday obligations. Be it work or school, try to start at 10 hrs your first week back, then try 20 hrs the following week. By gradually working your way up to full-time attendance, you’re giving your brain the space it needs to finish healing. Even if you feel better, this step is important (if you can make it work).

Bonus advice: If you’re looking for something else you can do to help your brain heal, consider an anti-inflammatory diet. If that’s too much, reduce your intake of processed foods and refined sugar. Above all, make sure you eat regularly: six small meals per day or three normal-sized meals. 

How to Treat a Concussion Headache

Head trauma never feels good. You can take over-the-counter pain medicines like Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, etc., to reduce your pain while you recover from a concussion. Follow the directions on the bottle suitable for your age, and never take more than the maximum dose without a doctor’s approval.

For a severe headache that isn’t controlled by OTC pain medicine, speak to your doctor about alternatives.  

Read this post to learn more about concussion headaches and what to do if they’re not going away.

How to Treat Concussions in Children

While all the advice above applies to children as well, it can be difficult to put into practice (depending on the age of your child). If they’re old enough to listen and follow instructions, you can help them with their daily physical and cognitive exercises. Listen to their feedback; if they’re in too much pain or getting overwhelmed, help them calm down. It’s important for their autonomic nervous system (discussed above) to recover in a low-stress environment.

If your toddler has a concussion, then follow-up care is more difficult. Do what you can to protect them from falls and encourage as much rest as possible. If you can get them to solve some puzzles, that’s great. You may need to work with your family physician to set up a realistic care plan. 

What

Not to Do After a Concussion

What are some things you should avoid while you heal from your concussion? Don’t push yourself to do more than you can handle, don’t rush your recovery, and don’t return to sports or work environments that put you at risk for another concussion.

Here’s the most important rule of recovery: Do not engage in activities that put you at risk for another concussion.

This holds true for athletes in any sport, but especially for athletes who play contact sports. When you’re recovering from a concussion, your brain needs time to heal, and your symptoms may affect balance, coordination, and other skills necessary for staying safe while you practice. You’re more likely to get another concussion when those abilities are compromised. Even if you’re the kind of person who would push your limits with other sports injuries, don’t put your brain at risk.

If you get a second concussion while recovering from the first, you risk longer-lasting symptoms and brain damage. And in extremely rare cases, some patients die from a rapid swelling reaction in their brains (known as second impact syndrome). Given the possible consequences, it is never wise to engage in activities that put you at risk for a second concussion while you’re healing from the first.

It’s also best to avoid screens whenever possible. They won’t help your brain heal. 

For most concussions, symptoms should resolve within two weeks. In some cases, it may take up to three months for a full recovery.

Unfortunately, not all concussion symptoms resolve within those time frames. Sometimes, it takes additional treatment to repair the communication pathways in your brain affected by the concussion(s).

At Cognitive FX, we have a one-week long, intensive therapy regimen that we custom-build around the needs of each patient. After a battery of testing (including fNCI), we’ll know which areas of your brain are affected and in what way. That allows us to tailor a week’s worth of physical training, cognitive drills, and emotional therapy to your specific needs.

On average, our patients’ brains show an improvement of 75% by the final, end-of-week scan. And they go home with a concrete plan to continue improving on their own.

Many patients are told that their symptoms are incurable. Or worse, they’re told to stop faking their symptoms and get back to work. Your symptoms are real and they are treatable. To discuss your experience and determine your eligibility for treatment, sign up for a free consultation with our staff.

Concussions (for Teens) – Nemours Kidshealth

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (or mild TBI). It happens when a blow to the head or an injury makes the head move back and forth with a lot of force. This causes chemical changes in the brain and, sometimes, damage to the brain cells. 

Teens who follow their health care provider’s recommendations usually feel better within a few weeks of the concussion.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion?

Someone with a concussion might be knocked out (this is called a loss of consciousness). But a person doesn’t have to get knocked out to have a concussion.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion include:

• headache
• blurred or double vision
• dizziness, balance problems, or trouble walking
• confusion and saying things that don’t make sense
• being slow to answer questions
• slurred speech
• nausea or vomiting
• not remembering what happened
• not feeling well

Symptoms of a concussion usually happen right away, but can show up hours or days after an injury. A teen with a concussion may:

• have trouble focusing
• have learning or memory problems
• have a headache that gets worse
• have sleep problems
• feel sad, easily upset or angered, or nervous 

If you have been diagnosed with a concussion, call your health care provider right away or have someone take you to the ER if you:

• have a severe headache or one that gets worse
• have a seizure
• pass out
• have other symptoms (such as continued vomiting) that worry you

These could be signs of a serious concussion, and you might need treatment in a hospital.

What Happens in a Concussion?

The skull helps protect the brain from injury. Spinal fluid cushions the brain inside the skull. A blow or jolt to the head can hurt the brain directly or make the brain move around and bang up against the hard bone of the skull. This changes the signals between nerves, which causes concussion symptoms.

How Do Teens Get Concussions?

Most concussions in teens happen while playing sports. The risk is highest for those who play football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey.

Concussions can also happen from:

• car or bicycle accidents
• a fight
• a fall

How Are Concussions Diagnosed?

To diagnose a concussion, the health care provider will:

• ask about how and when the head injury happened
• ask about symptoms
• test memory and concentration
• do an exam and test balance, coordination, and reflexes

If a head injury happens while someone is playing sports, a coach or athletic trainer may do sideline concussion testing. This is when a trained person does a few simple tests after a head injury to help decide if the athlete needs immediate medical care. An athlete who has a head injury must stop playing and see a doctor before returning to play.

Many schools or sports leagues are using baseline concussion tests. Baseline testing uses computer programs to test a player’s normal brain function. It checks attention, memory, and speed of thinking. Doctors compare testing after an injury with baseline results to see how someone is recovering.

Concussions do not show up on a CAT scan or MRI. So, the doctor may not order a brain scan for a mild concussion. A CAT scan or MRI might be done to look for other problems if someone:

• was knocked out
• keeps vomiting
• has a severe headache or a headache that gets worse
• was injured in serious accident, such as from a car accident or very high fall

How Are Mild Concussions Treated?

Each person with a concussion heals at their own pace. It’s important to find a balance between doing too much and too little.

At first, you need to cut back on physical activities and those that require a lot of concentration. Then, you can start trying these activities again. Your symptoms don’t have to be completely gone for you to add activities. But if symptoms interfere with an activity, take a break from it. You can try it again after a few minutes, or you can try a less strenuous version of the activity.

Rest (for 1–2 days after the concussion)

• Relax at home. You can do calm activities, such as talking to family and friends, reading, drawing, or playing a quiet game. If symptoms interfere with an activity, take a break from it. You can try it again after a few minutes or longer, or you can try a less strenuous version of the activity. 
• Avoid or cut down on screen time. Video games, texting, watching TV, and using social media are likely to cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Don’t drive. 
• Avoid all sports and any activities (such as roughhousing with friends, or riding a bike or skateboard) that could lead to another head injury. 
• Sleep:
  • Get plenty of sleep (at least 8–10 hours in a 24-hour period).
  • Keep regular sleep and wake times.
  • No screen time or listening to loud music before bed.
  • Avoid caffeine.
  • Nap during the day, as needed.
• For the first few days after the injury, if you have a headache and your health care provider says it’s OK, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin® or a store brand).

Light Activity (usually within a few days to a week after the concussion)

• Slowly try more activities, such as going for a walk or watching TV. If symptoms interfere with an activity, take a break from it. You can try it again after a few minutes or longer, or you can try a less strenuous version of the activity.
• After a few days, you should feel well enough to return to school. Work with your health care provider and a school team to create a plan for returning to school. You may need to start with a shorter day or a lighter workload. If you’re not back in school by 5 days after the concussion, call your health care provider.
• Ask your health care provider when you can drive again.
• Keep avoiding all sports and any activities that could lead to another head injury.
• Keep getting plenty of sleep. If you don’t feel tired during the day, you don’t need to nap.
• If you still need medicine for headaches, talk to your health care provider.

Moderate Activity (usually about a week after the concussion)

• If your symptoms are nearly gone, you can go back to most activities, including regular schedules for school and work.
• Keep avoiding all sports and any activities that could lead to another head injury.
• If symptoms interfere with an activity, take a break from it. You can try it again after a few minutes or longer, or you can try a less strenuous version of the activity

Regular Activity (usually within a month of the concussion)

• If you no longer have any concussion symptoms, you can go back to all other activities, except sports, that you used to do.
• For sports, your health care provider will work with your coach and athletic trainer (if available) to create a clear, written plan for a gradual return to play. Don’t go back to playing sports until your health care provider says it’s OK.

When Can Teens Go Back to Sports After a Concussion?

Student athletes must wait until their health care provider says it’s safe before returning to sports. This means that they:

• have had a physical exam
• are back in school
• have no symptoms
• aren’t taking any medicines for concussion symptoms
• are back to their baseline results on physical and cognitive testing

Hurrying back to sports and other physical activities puts teens at risk for second-impact syndrome. This is when someone gets another head injury before the concussion has healed. Although very rare, second-impact syndrome can cause lasting brain damage and even death. Almost every state has rules about when teens with concussions can start playing sports again.

Ice Kap Concussion Treatment – ICEKAP Therapeutics Inc

It is well known that applying ice to your aches and pains is beneficial for easing your pain, speeding up your healing time, and aiding in your overall road to recovery after an injury. Cryotherapy, the use of ice or cold in a therapeutic setting, has become one of the most common treatments in medicine. This is especially true when it comes to alleviating pain caused by migraines, headaches, overexertion/physical activity, concussions, cold and flu symptoms, chemotherapy and hangovers.

Someone experiencing a minor head injury (concussion) will typically experience migraines and headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination, amongst other things like dizziness and nausea. The only way to recover after a mild head injury is to get a lot of rest and relaxation while finding a way to relieve the pain.

Icing your head and neck immediately after a concussion alleviates some of the most common symptoms of a concussion, including headache, nausea, and sleeping troubles. Ice can also be used to treat post-concussion migraines and headaches and any minor bruising of the head. Research is also being done to show that icing your head can help minimize the likelihood of experiencing long-term damage after one too many concussions.

Beyond mild concussions, some hospitals are using something called “selective hypothermia” with their patients in an effort to help minimize the likelihood of an unconscious patient waking up with brain damage after a heart attack or stroke.

What Is the Best Way to Apply Ice to Your Headache?

Try an Icekap! It uses a combination of cryotherapy* and pressure therapy to provide an effective, natural pain reliever. The Icekap has a total of 5 soft medical grade gel packs that cover the temporal, occipital, crown and perietal areas of the head and neck for maximum therapeutic coverage. The soft medical grade gels provide soothing cold therapy for up to two hours and can be used warm or cold. The Icekap also has a built in adjustable compression band to provide a soothing pressure to key areas of the head.

Additional Features of the Icekap

• Medical grade gels remain soft when frozen
• Can be used hot or cold
• Soft and stretchy fleecy inner material makes Icekap comfortable to wear
• Provides fast, effective, all-natural relief for a variety of ailments
• Adjustable tension band for compression
• High-quality, extremely durable, machine-washable material
• Affordable and reusable
• Suitable for any age
• Suitable for wearing in public
• No more bulky ice or heating packs 
• Icekap stays cool or hot for up to two hours

So far, there is no research or data out there to indicate that there is any harm in applying ice to the head. However, before doing so, you should talk to a medical professional to find out if cold therapy is right for you.

The Icekap makes it easy and comfortable to ice your head. To learn how the Icekap is helping others, please see our testimonials https://www.icekap.ca/pages/testimonials page as well as check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Icekapheadacheandmigrainetherapy/.

* Cryotherapy is the general use of cold temperatures in medical therapy or the removal of heat from a body part. The use of cold therapy (cryotherapy) is believed to cause the swollen blood vessels to constrict, thus reducing the pressure causing the pain.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that Icekap Therapeutics Inc. https://www.icekap.ca/ is not intended to replace medical advice given by a professional medical practitioner. All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Please consult doctor for use with children.

Icekap 2.0 Size Chart

LOOSELY measure the LARGEST circumference of your head to determine size. Move up in size if on the half inch measure or if less compression is desired.

SMALL – Up to 20” circumference for children
MEDIUM – Up to 21″ circumference for children and smaller adults
LARGE – Up to 22” circumference 
X-LARGE – Up to 23″ circumference
XX-Large- Up to 24” circumference 

ALL SALES FINAL IF PURCHASED DURING SALE.

Would you like to order by phone or pay in CAD? Please call 1-855-9ICEKAP

What to Expect and When to See a Doctor

What to Do the First 24 to 48 Hours

• Call to make a follow-up doctor’s appointment.  Regardless of the degree of injury, it is important that your child have medical follow-up with a doctor experienced with head injuries.
• Let your child take rests and naps as needed during the day.  You do not need to wake them up or check on them.  This advice is outdated.
• Encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep.  Avoid things that might keep them awake longer, such as screen time (TV, computer, cell phone) and loud music.  Avoid snacks and drinks with caffeine (colas and energy boosters) close to bedtime.
• For a mild to moderate headache, you may give the over-the-counter pain medicine acetaminophen (Tylenol^®).  Do not give ibuprofen (Motrin^®, Advil^®) until the doctor says it is OK.  Read the label to know the right dose for the age of your child.
• Use ice packs on the head or neck to ease pain.
• At the doctor’s appointment, let the doctor know if your child is having trouble doing things they were able to do before the head injury, including schoolwork.
• Tell your child’s teachers and coaches that they have had a head injury so teachers can allow for changes in behavior and ability to concentrate, if needed.

When to Call the Doctor

You will need to return to the Emergency Department or call your medical provider if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Repeated or projectile vomiting
• Hard to wake up or quickly falls back to sleep after waking
• Loss of consciousness.Child does not wake up when you touch and talk to him.
• A major change in behavior or personality, such as confusion, impulsiveness, recklessness, aggressiveness, or abnormal behavior
• Complaints of worsening headaches that are not relieved with pain medicine
• Bleeding or clear fluid from the nose or ears
• Hearing problems
• Slurred speech
• Convulsions or seizures (staring into space, looking dazed, twitching, or shaking)
• Staggering or swaying while walking
• Weakness or dizziness
• Eye changes such as crossed eyes, droopy eyelids, or trouble using eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Numbness or tingling in face, arms, or legs
• Does not “look right” to you or seems to be getting worse instead of better

Activities Allowed

The severity of symptoms guides what activities your child is able to do and how soon. There are no hard and fast rules.  

If your child has had a concussion before, the recovery may be slower this time. Your child may have good days when symptoms are mild and bad days when they may be a little worse.  This is a normal part of recovery. Your child’s doctor will help decide what is safe for them. 

The following activities may be allowed after 1 to 2 days of rest as long as they do not cause symptoms to increase very much. 

• Watching TV and listening to quiet music (avoid headphones)
• Limited technology use, such as computer time, electronic games, and phone texting
• Board games and card games that do not need a lot of concentration
• Reading, drawing, and doing homework for brief periods of time
• Going for walks if your child is able to without problems
• Relaxing with friends and teammates, as long as it does not cause stress

Your child should stop any activity that causes symptoms until seeing their physician.

Participation in the following activities is not allowed until the doctor says it is OK: 

• Gym and recess
• Contact sports and rough play
• Activities that require balance, such as bike riding, skate boarding, swimming, skiing and tree climbing
• Operating motor vehicles, including ATVs, motorcycles, motor scooters, snowmobiles and cars

Avoid any activity that will put your child at risk for another head injury until the brain heals.  A repeat injury before the brain heals can slow recovery and cause long-term problems.

Most children return to school in 2 to 5 days following a concussion.  Your child’s symptoms may not have all gone away before they go back to school.  It is best for them to stay home if symptoms are bad enough to prevent learning or they cannot make it through at least a half day of school. 

You will know your child has recovered when they can do regular activities without having concussion symptoms.

Preventing Future Injuries

Passenger safety. Use proper child passenger restraints (car seat or booster seat) for age and size of child.

Sports safety. Make sure your child:

• Wears a helmet that fits properly and protective gear when using a bike, skateboard, scooter, roller-skates, or participating in a contact sport like football.
• Learns and uses proper technique when playing sports, such as tackling in football and
  “heading” the ball in soccer.
• Always tells someone right away if they hit their head and do not feel normal afterwards.

Street safety. Children should be taught to play where it is safe and supervised.  Most children can safely cross the street alone at about 10 years of age.

If you need a doctor for your child, call the Nationwide Children’s Referral and Information Line at (614) 722-KIDS.

Head Injury – Concussion (PDF)

HH-I-252 4/05 Revised 9/19 Copyright 2005, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Concussion – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor will evaluate your signs and symptoms, review your medical history, and conduct a neurological examination. Signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear until hours or days after the injury.

Tests your doctor may perform or recommend include a neurological examination, cognitive testing and imaging tests.

Neurological examination

After your doctor asks detailed questions about your injury, he or she may perform a neurological examination. This evaluation includes checking your:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Strength and sensation
• Balance
• Coordination
• Reflexes

Cognitive testing

Your doctor may conduct several tests to evaluate your thinking (cognitive) skills during a neurological examination. Testing may evaluate several factors, including your:

• Memory
• Concentration
• Ability to recall information

Imaging tests

Brain imaging may be recommended for some people with signs and symptoms such as severe headaches, seizures, repeated vomiting or symptoms that are becoming worse. Brain imaging may determine whether the injury is severe and has caused bleeding or swelling in the skull.

A cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan is the standard test in adults to assess the brain right after injury. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of your skull and brain.

For children with suspected concussion, CT scans are only used if there are specific criteria met, such as the type of injury or signs of a skull fracture. This is to avoid radiation exposure in young children.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to identify changes in your brain or to diagnose complications that may occur after a concussion.

An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of your brain.

Observation

You may need to be hospitalized overnight for observation after a concussion.

If your doctor agrees that you may be observed at home, someone should stay with you and check on you for at least 24 hours to ensure that your symptoms aren’t worsening.

Your caregiver may need to awaken you regularly to make sure you can awaken normally.

Treatment

There are steps you can take to help your brain heal and speed recovery.

Physical and mental rest

In the first few days after a concussion, relative rest is the most appropriate way to allow your brain to recover. Your doctor will recommend that you physically and mentally rest to recover from a concussion.

Relative rest, which includes limiting activities that require thinking and mental concentration, is recommended for the first two days after a concussion. However, complete rest, such as lying in a dark room and avoiding all stimuli, does not help recovery and is not recommended. In the first 48 hours, you should overall limit activities that require high mental concentration — such as playing video games, watching TV, doing schoolwork, reading, texting or using a computer — if these activities cause your symptoms to worsen.

You also should avoid physical activities that increase any of your symptoms, such as general physical exertion, sports or any vigorous movements, until these activities no longer provoke your symptoms.

After a period of relative rest, it’s recommended that you gradually increase daily activities such as screen time if you can tolerate them without triggering symptoms. You can start both physical and mental activities at levels that do not cause a major worsening of symptoms. Light exercise and physical activity as tolerated starting a few days after injury have been shown to speed recovery; however, you should avoid any activities that have a high risk of exposure to another head impact until you are fully recovered.

Your doctor may recommend that you have shortened school days or workdays, take breaks during the day, or have modified or reduced school workloads or work assignments as you recover from a concussion. Your doctor may recommend different therapies as well, such as rehabilitation for vision, rehabilitation for balance problems, or cognitive rehabilitation for problems with thinking and memory.

Returning to routine activity

As your symptoms improve, you may gradually add more activities that involve thinking, such as doing more schoolwork or work assignments, or increasing your time spent at school or work.

Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe for you to resume light physical activity. Usually after the first few days after injury, you’re allowed to do light physical activity — such as riding a stationary bike or light jogging — before your symptoms are completely gone, so long as it doesn’t significantly worsen symptoms.

Eventually, once all signs and symptoms of concussion have resolved, you and your doctor can discuss the steps you’ll need to take to safely play sports again. Resuming sports too soon increases the risk of another brain injury.

Pain relief

Headaches may occur in the days or weeks after a concussion. To manage pain, ask your doctor if it’s safe to take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Avoid other pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin, as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Preparing for your appointment

It’s important for anyone who has a head injury to be evaluated by a doctor, even if emergency care isn’t required.

If your child has received a head injury that concerns you, call your child’s doctor immediately. Depending on the signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care.

Here’s some information to help you get ready for and make the most of your medical appointment.

What you can do

• Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions or instructions. The most important thing for you to do while waiting for your appointment is to avoid activities that cause or worsen your symptoms. Avoid sports or vigorous physical activities and minimize difficult, stressful or prolonged mental tasks. At the time you make the appointment, ask what steps you or your child should take to encourage recovery or prevent re-injury. Experts recommend that athletes not return to play until they have been medically evaluated.
• List any symptoms you or your child has been experiencing and how long they’ve been occurring.
• List key medical information, including other medical problems for which you or your child is being treated and any history of previous head injuries. Also write down the names of any medications, vitamins, supplements or other natural remedies you or your child is taking.
• Take a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who comes with you may recall something that you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For a concussion, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• Do I have a concussion?
• What kinds of tests are needed?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• How soon will symptoms begin to improve?
• What is the risk of future concussions?
• What is the risk of long-term complications?
• When will it be safe to return to competitive sports?
• When will it be safe to resume vigorous exercise?
• Is it safe to return to school or work?
• Is it safe to drive a car or operate power equipment?
• I have other medical problems. How can they be managed together?
• Should a specialist be consulted? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist? You may need to call your insurance provider for some of these answers.
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you’ve prepared to ask your doctor, don’t hesitate to ask questions that come up during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Being ready to answer your doctor’s questions may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth.

You or your child should be prepared to answer the following questions about the injury and related signs and symptoms:

• Do you play contact sports?
• How did you get this injury?
• What symptoms did you experience immediately after the injury?
• Do you remember what happened right before and after the injury?
• Did you lose consciousness after the injury?
• Did you have seizures?
• Have you experienced nausea or vomiting since the injury?
• Have you had a headache? How soon after the injury did it start?
• Have you noticed any difficulty with physical coordination since the injury?
• Have you had any problems with memory or concentration since the injury?
• Have you noticed any sensitivity or problems with your vision and hearing?
• Have you had any mood changes, including irritability, anxiety or depression?
• Have you felt lethargic or easily fatigued since the injury?
• Are you having trouble sleeping or waking from sleep?
• Have you noticed changes in your sense of smell or taste?
• Do you have any dizziness or vertigo?
• What other signs or symptoms are you concerned about?
• Have you had any previous head injuries?

What you can do in the meantime

The most important thing to do before your appointment is to avoid activities that significantly increase your symptoms and those that have an increased risk of another head impact. This includes avoiding sports or other physical activities that increase your heart rate, such as running, or require vigorous muscle contractions, such as weightlifting.

Gradually resume your normal daily activities, including screen time, as you’re able to tolerate them without significantly worsening symptoms.

If you have a headache, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may ease the pain. Avoid taking other pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) if you suspect you’ve had a concussion. These may increase the risk of bleeding.

Feb. 22, 2020

90,000 In Ufa, a woman may lose her eyesight because of a block of ice that has fallen on her head

Photo: screenshot of the video of the State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company “Bashkortostan” | Video: STRC “Bashkortostan”

In Ufa, a woman may lose her eyesight because of a block of ice that has fallen on her head Photo: video screenshot of the State TV and Radio Broadcasting Company “Bashkortostan” | Video: STRC “Bashkortostan”

In Ufa, a woman may lose her eyesight because of a block of ice that has fallen on her head.The victim was seriously injured when she was leaving the store located at 127 Mingazheva Street. According to the woman, she lost consciousness, and when she woke up, the housing department officers ran up to her with a request to abandon the claims. She did not give in to their persuasion, reports the State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company “Bashkortostan”.

Doctors diagnosed the woman with a concussion, a bruised head wound. There is a risk that she could lose her eyesight. In the near future, he will have an MRI scan. Due to the incident, the woman received serious health problems and was forced to take numerous medications.In addition, she is now unable to go to work and provide for herself and the child.

According to Azat Abdulmanov, the chief engineer of the housing department-51 of the Soviet district, there is no fault of the housing department employees. “It is the store’s fault that they untimely removed the snow from the signboard. Before this incident, the roof was cleaned. The roof was cleaned on March 2 and 3. All visors have been cleaned, ”he commented.

After the incident, communal workers immediately cleared the whole house of snow and ice, but icicles continue to hang from neighboring residential buildings.

On this fact, the Republican Investigative Committee organized a pre-investigation check. All the circumstances of the incident are being established, the press service of the department told Bashinform.

City services, in turn, remind that clearing snow from roofs of apartment buildings and porch canopies is the responsibility of management companies. Cleaning the roofs and canopies of the private sector, as well as unauthorized structures, is the responsibility of the owners of the premises.The heads of enterprises, institutions and organizations (regardless of the form of ownership), tenants of premises with pitched hipped roofs are obliged to take measures to clear snow from the roofs and the adjacent territory. Owners and tenants of kiosks located at public transport stops are also responsible for clearing snow and ice from the roof.

90,000 Eye damage and concussion. An icy cobblestone fell on a woman in Perm | PERM NEWS | MY CITY

A reader contacted the editorial office of “MY CITY – PERM” and said that on February 4 at 16:00 a block of ice fell on her mother-in-law from the roof of her house.The woman received an eye injury and a concussion. The incident took place in the Kirovsky district on the street. Kalinina, 46 (this is a residential building).

– Passers-by called an ambulance, the mother-in-law was taken to neurosurgery at Plekhanov Street. Now she is on sick leave, she has a hematoma on her eye, her face is scratched. We wrote a statement to the police, – the girl told the correspondent of the publication.

HOW TO PROCEED IN A SIMILAR SITUATION

We remind you that if you have witnessed such a situation, you need to urgently contact an ambulance.We will tell you how to act for the victim or his relatives in the event of snow or ice falling from the roof. First, seek medical attention. He must record your injury and give you the appropriate document. If possible, make sure that the doctor indicates on the document the time and circumstances of the injury.

Secondly, try to find eyewitnesses to the situation, or explore the area for the presence of CCTV cameras. Take the phone number of a passer-by who saw ice fall on a person.For camera recording, contact the building where the device is attached.

Further, the bar association advises to draw up a written appeal to the management company or the organization that owns the building, to attach a certificate from a doctor. The last step is to contact the police. Law enforcement officers must record the fact that the ice fell and that the falling icicle injured a person. In addition, they will interview possible witnesses and provide an opportunity to search for those responsible and bring them to justice.If the injuries are serious, the liability will be criminal.

If after this no reaction follows, you need to contact the inspectorate of the state housing supervision of the Perm Territory or with the housing and communal services departments of the district administrations. We publish a list of numbers that can help you with this.

Telephones of housing and communal services departments of administrations of Perm districts:

– Dzerzhinsky District – 246-55-42, 246-61-37,
– Industrial District – 227-94-14,
– Kirovsky District – 283-31-78, 283-33-11,
– Leninsky District – 212-13-63, 212-33-74,
– Motovilikha district – 260-37-77,
– Ordzhonikidze district – 263-47-26,
– Sverdlovsk district – 244-13-89, 244-40-13 ,
– Novye Lyady village – 295-85-67, 295-85-82,

You can also get help:

– Department for work with the housing stock of the housing and communal services department of the Perm administration – 212-86-07,
– Inspectorate of the state housing supervision of the Perm region – 241-09-02, 241-14-45 and 241-13-54.

90,000 Ice and ice are the causes of emergencies.

They can be extraordinary not only for pedestrians, but also for transport. During the period of ice, the likelihood of accidents and collisions among cars increases. Traffic inspectors during this period ask drivers to be extremely attentive and careful. Ice has a very strong effect on the operation of airfields, because the crust of ice prevents the aircraft from accelerating and taking off. In such cases, flights are canceled or postponed.

Two dangers lie in wait for a person in icy conditions – either you will slip and fall, or they will fall on you (or run over). If people fall, they may fracture the bones of the arms and legs; head trauma: concussion or contusion of the brain; bruises of the pelvis. In such a “freezing” period, 400 out of 1000 people are injured and seek medical help. To prevent this from happening, there are services that work on cleaning and clearing our roads and sidewalks. People of these professions must be respectful.

In order not to be among the victims, the following rules must be followed: 1.Pay attention to your shoes: • Choose non-slip shoes with microcellular soles. • Attach metal heels to the heels, rub the sole with sandpaper. • Stick insulating tape (adhesive plaster) on the sole. Make a sticker criss-cross or a ladder. 2. Look under your feet, try to avoid dangerous places, but not on the roadway. And if it is impossible to get around the ice “puddle”, then move along it, like a skier, with small sliding steps. 3. Calculate the time of movement, get out in advance so as not to rush.You must look not only under your feet, but also upwards, as huge icicles and pieces of ice falling from the eaves of houses and drainpipes each winter claim several human lives. 4. Be extremely careful on the carriageway: • Take your time, and even less run. • Try to avoid all sloped areas. • On such days, try not to carry heavy bags, because under their weight you can fall and get injured. 5. Walk carefully, stepping on the entire sole. When walking, the legs should be slightly relaxed at the knees, hands free.6. Learn to fall! If you slip, sit down immediately to lower the height of the fall. Do not try to save the things you carry in your hands. At the time of the fall, you need to contract (tighten your muscles, and when you touch the ground, roll over to soften the force of the blow). Take your time to get up, check yourself for injuries, ask passers-by to help you. Remember: falling on your back or face up is especially dangerous, as you can get a concussion. If you are injured, be sure to seek medical attention from your doctor.

Advice for pedestrians on how to behave in ice

Due to the predicted unfavorable weather phenomena (strong wind, snow and ice),
We recommend residents to heed the recommendations of experts!

Ice is a layer
dense ice that forms on the earth’s surface (sidewalks, carriageway) and on objects (trees, wires,
houses, etc.) with freezing drops of supercooled rain and drizzle, usually at an air temperature of 0 to -3 ° C.Thickness
ice in case of ice can reach several centimeters.

Glaze is thin
a layer of ice that formed on the earth’s surface after a thaw or rain as a result of a cold snap, as well as after freezing
wet snow.

Ice and ice on the streets and roads cause injuries to pedestrians
due to falls, it is especially dangerous to fall supine (on the back, face up), which can lead to a concussion.

To reduce the likelihood of falling, the following rules of conduct should be followed:

– Choose non-slip shoes with micro-porous soles and avoid high heels. See yourself
under your feet, try to avoid dangerous places. If it is impossible to get around the ice “puddle”, then move along it as
skier, in small sliding steps.

– Be extremely careful on the road
roads: take your time and, moreover, do not run.Try to avoid all sloped areas.

– You should step on the entire sole, taking into account the unevenness of the surface, the legs should be slightly relaxed at the knees.

– Hands should be as free as possible, try not to carry heavy bags, do not keep your hands in your pockets – this is
increases the likelihood of falling.

– Elderly people are advised to use a cane with a rubber
tipped or a special stick with pointed spikes.

If you slip, sit down,
to lower the drop height. At the time of the fall, try to group up, and, rolling, soften the impact on the ground. Remember:
Falls on your back are especially dangerous, as you can hit the back of the head and get a concussion. In case of injury, be sure to contact
see a doctor for medical assistance.

How to act in case of injury:
As a result of injury, a person can get bruises, hematomas, concussion, and fractures of the extremities.If after falling
you experience sharp pain, dizziness, ask for help from passers-by, call an ambulance, contact a trauma
point or point of emergency medical care.

Remember: the best prevention of accidents
cases in icy conditions – this is caution and prudence.

In case
if any incidents occur, immediately call the Unified telephone number of firefighters and rescuers 01 or 101 (from your mobile
phone).

57-25-12 (duty officer of the city of Izhevsk)

When leaving your house, check if you have done everything, to prevent a fire

_____________________________________________________________

Additional information can be obtained by calling 44-22-63 –

Head of the Civil Protection Sector of the Administration of the Industrial District E. Borisova.A.

The ice slide in the Urals, where the emergency occurred, was closed even before the incident

https://ria.ru/20170103/1485114268.html

The ice slide in the Urals, where the emergency occurred, was closed even before the incident

Ice slide in the Urals, where the emergency occurred, closed even before the incident – RIA Novosti, 03.03.2020

The ice slide in the Urals, where the emergency occurred, closed even before the incident

Dangerous ice slide in the city of Serov, when riding on which five people injured, was closed before the incident, RIA Novosti reported on Tuesday… RIA Novosti, 03.01.2017

2017-01-03T12: 17

2017-01-03T12: 17

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How to protect children from injuries on New Year’s holidays – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Picture from last year’s winter. Suburban forest during the New Year holidays and people rolling down the mountains on skis, sleighs, tubing bagels, ice cakes and ordinary sheets of cardboard. Laughter, joyful childish squeal, and then a heart-rending cry, an ambulance stuck in the snow, a heavy run of doctors with a stretcher and a girl of about twelve lying flat on the snow. Scattered from a steep hill on an uncontrollable “donut”, she crashed into a pine tree.Limb trauma, concussion. As the four of us dragged the stretcher to the car, a weeping mother and a father with a face as white as snow minced nearby. Classic story: children still don’t understand the possible consequences, and adults don’t think about them until the thunder breaks out.

But if injuries sustained while skiing from mountains, especially ice ones, happen every winter, then in recent years a new attack has been added. The regional SU of the Investigative Committee of Russia regularly investigates the circumstances of accidents related to injuries in children’s playrooms, trampoline complexes and other attractions located in shopping, entertainment and sports centers in the Altai Territory.On average, fifteen to twenty accidents per year. In 2018, investigators counted 21 cases of injuries of varying severity, up to compression fractures of the vertebrae. Already twenty childhood injuries have accumulated in eleven months of 2019.

Trampoline jumping has become very popular lately. Special centers, where a child can feel like a “jumpy”, are opening one after another in large shopping centers. For Barnaul residents, according to sociologists, shopping and entertainment centers have generally become the main place of leisure.As long as adults are passionate about shopping, children are supposedly controlled by adults working in entertainment centers. But who works there? Either women of Balzac’s age, or students – it is clear that the salary here is so-so. Children tumbling in the playroom, and supervisors can knit socks for grandchildren, hang out in laptops, chat on the phone. Have you seen how many people insure an athlete in acrobatics competitions? At least four, one at each corner. Of course, the level of difficulty is incomparable, but for many children with their fragile bones, any awkward jump is fraught with consequences.I know parents whose children have been engaged in sports sections for several years, but still received serious injuries on a trampoline: aerial acrobatics requires special skills, it involves different muscle groups than those of hockey players or skiers.

– Ten children were injured in trampoline centers this year. Another five were seriously injured on the so-called “bungee” and inflatable attractions, which are located in amusement parks or shopping centers (last year there were eight victims).In the regional center, most often, such messages come from the Magis Children children’s center, the WOW mom and Spring trampoline centers in the Prazdnichny shopping center, and recreation and amusement parks in the Industrial District, – said the senior inspector of the Procedural Control Department of the SUSK RF for Altai the edge of Maria Bobreshova.

Let’s add here the injuries received by children in the playrooms of the mall, for example, when riding downhill slides, including inflatable ones (four incidents this year and eight last year and two in the past).

“I would like to focus on trampoline centers, since the injuries sustained by children there are very serious,” Maria Bobreshova emphasized. – In most cases, the spine is injured, which requires long-term treatment and rehabilitation. So, on September 30, in the Prazdnichny shopping center in the Spring trampoline center, a minor received a compression fracture of the eighth vertebra. The teenager did an acrobatic technique prohibited by safety regulations, as indicated in the service contract and at the information stand in the trampoline area.

In all honesty, tell me, how many parents and children have you seen carefully reading these safety documents? And how often do supervisors insist on studying them? For some reason, a trampoline is considered an attraction for malls and recreation parks, although in all respects it is a sports equipment. And before using it with any child, the instructor must give instructions and a mandatory warm-up. Alas, the qualifications of the instructors are often in doubt. For your information: there are no professional trampoline trainers in the region at all.They should not be confused with artistic gymnastics coaches.

– In the same year, a six-year-old girl in the “Wow mom” trampoline center of the “Prazdnichny” shopping center received a compression fracture of five vertebrae at once. The child’s relatives were formally acquainted with the safety regulations – they signed the documents provided to them without examining their content. In general, as practice shows, the main causes of accidents with adolescents are their non-observance of safety rules and behavior, negligence of parents and accompanying persons.The examinations carried out as part of the procedural checks established that trampoline attractions in most cases comply with the regulatory safety requirements and established GOSTs, and therefore, as a rule, the investigating authorities have no grounds to initiate a criminal case, ” Maria Bobreshova explained.

There is also a problem related to gaps in legislation. For a long time, there was no regulation in this area at the federal level at all. Neither state bodies nor local governments have checked the safety of the operation of attractions and play equipment (including trampolines).After the entry into force of the technical regulation of the Eurasian Economic Community “On the safety of attractions” in Russia from February 1, these functions are assigned to Gostekhnadzor. In the Altai Territory, a department for the supervision of attractions was created, it employs four people. It is obvious that such forces cannot solve the problem of an increase in the incidence of child injuries.

Commentary

Ivan Samsonov, Head of the Methodological Department of the KAU “Center for Sports Training of National Teams of the Altai Territory”:

– The educational and sports authorities can help on a number of issues.The first step is to create a complete register of organizations that provide this kind of services. If you want to open a trampoline center – register. At the same time, you must show who will work for you and what kind of training he has. An advanced training procedure should be carried out on a regular basis. Staff should be trained in first aid procedures. In accordance with the Rosstandart methodology, constant monitoring of the condition of the equipment is required: visual – daily, functional – quarterly, full check – annually.And I would advise parents to check compliance with safety requirements: what fences are installed, how many children are engaged at the same time. Ask to show the title deeds. A number of clubs don’t even know about them. And the doctors there are people who do not have medical practice. They just put on white coats and that’s it.

Help “RG”

Back in 2018, the regional investigation department initiated three criminal cases of Art. 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Provision of services that do not meet safety requirements).Two of them have been discontinued: a girl on a trampoline was injured in the Riviera shopping and entertainment center in Biysk, and a minor injured in the Vodny attraction in the Lesnaya Skazka park in Barnaul. One criminal case is still being investigated by the investigation (an injury on the “Uley” attraction in the “Veselkino” game complex of the “Galaxy” shopping and entertainment center). Earlier, convictions were issued for the incidents on an inflatable trampoline in the Arlekino park and the Labyrinth attraction in the Yunost shopping center.

In the city of Alexandrov, the head of kindergarten №10, where in the spring an ice block that came down from the roof almost buried a mother of two children under her, will be tried for negligence

In the city of Aleksandrov, the head of kindergarten №10, where in the spring an ice block that came down from the roof almost buried a mother of two children under her, will be tried for negligence

photo of the group «AlexCityLive | the city of Alexandrov ”

In Aleksandrov, the head of the local kindergarten №10 will be tried for negligence, through whose fault a woman was injured during an avalanche from the roof of the building.On the completion of the investigation of the criminal case against the head of the kindergarten and the transfer of materials to the court
reports SledKom of the Vladimir region.

The investigation established that at the beginning of January 2018, the manager entered into an agreement with a commercial firm for the provision of services for removing snow from the territory, ice and snow from the roofs of buildings and structures. According to the contract, the contractor was obliged to perform the required work within three days after receiving the application from the kindergarten management.Accordingly, the progress of the work was to be supervised by the manager.

As SledCom reminds, from March 2 to 23 in Aleksandrov, temperature drops were recorded, because of rain and snow, snow accumulated on the roof of the building of kindergarten No. 10, and ice formed, threatening to disappear. However, the manager, seeing the real picture and realizing the danger of delay, presumptuously did not submit an application for the performance of public works and the fencing of the hazardous area.

The consequences of such negligence almost became tragic: on March 23, an avalanche of snow and ice hit a 33-year-old local resident, who, together with her eldest son, came to pick up the youngest child from the kindergarten.

“The children went out through the central entrance first, and the woman did not manage to reach the steps, felt a strong blow to the head and shoulder area, fell from the blow and lost consciousness.

As a result of injuries sustained from the fall of an ice block from the roof of the building of a children’s educational institution, the victim underwent long-term inpatient and outpatient treatment, ” describes the situation by SledKom .

Eyewitnesses of the incident claimed that the mother saved her child, literally covering him with her body from the blow of the ice block.The woman suffered a concussion and a fractured collarbone.

It is interesting that the Aleksandrovsk district authorities did not see the fault of the education department in the incident. District manager Igor Pershin argued that the situation was greatly exaggerated in the media: as Pershin said, the snow from the roof first fell on the porch canopy in front of the entrance and only then “ricocheted” at the woman who was taking the child. The district manager believed that she suffered not at all because she protected her child from the “avalanche” and took the snow blow on herself, but because she fell, frightened by an unexpected “hello from the roof”.Nevertheless, at the end of April SledCom opened a criminal case on this fact.

The examination assessed the harm caused to the woman by the descent of the block of ice as moderate damage, resulting in a significant permanent loss of general working capacity. The victim is diagnosed with the third group of disability, until now the mother of two young children cannot start work, she herself constantly needs the help of her relatives.

During the investigation, the head of the kindergarten did not deny that during the winter period she only twice applied for utilities during periods of heavy snowfall – in February and March 2, 2018.