Concussion Resources

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by an impact or forceful motion to the head or body that causes the brain to move inside the skull.

Approximately 11, 300 Nova Scotians sustain a concussion annually¹. The majority of individuals fully recover by 3 months. Of those, 15-30% (more than 1,500 per year) experience persistent symptoms that can result in poorer outcomes, including loss of time from work or school¹.

Early intervention results in better outcomes.

Check out these resources to learn more about diagnosis and management of concussion, patient education materials, local resources to support recovery, and self-management tools.

Concussion Recovery

Lunch & Learn Slides (Nov 2023): Click attachment below.

Recording: https://stream2.nshealth.ca/2023/11-22-Abi-Lunch-And-Learn

Additional Resources:

Concussion Awareness Training Tool

This Canadian site offers free resources and training for recognition, management, and recovery from concussion based on best practice guidelines. There are learning modules for health professionals and a variety of printable resources including clear return to activity protocols. https://cattonline.com/home

Clinical Practice Guidelines: https://concussionsontario.org/

The Living Concussion Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for adults who have experienced concussion. Sections include diagnosis, initial management, sport-related concussion, assessment and management of prolonged symptoms, post-traumatic headache, sleep-wake disturbances, mental health disorders, cognitive difficulties, vestibular and vision dysfunction, fatigue, and return to work/school. The diagnosis section reviews the 2023 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) diagnostic criteria for concussion or uncomplicated mTBI. https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(23)00297-6/fulltext

Diagnosing Concussion:

2023 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Diagnostic Criteria for mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI).

https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(23)00297-6/fulltext

For Primary Health Care Providers:

Diagnosing and Managing Concussion Tool for Primary Care Providers

https://cep.health/clinical-products/concussion/

Nova Scotia Health Resources:

Concussion Awareness and Concussion Management Card: https://braininjuryns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Digital-Concussion-Cards.pdf

Concussion Management- Patient and Family Guide: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/nshealth.ca/files/patientinformation/0395.pdf

Concussion Education Session flyer: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/pamphlets/2013.pdf

Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (BIANS) Resources:

https://braininjuryns.com/concussion/