A concussion is not always spectacular. It can occur without loss of consciousness or visible injury, but its effects on the brain can be serious and prolonged. Unfortunately, too many concussions go unnoticed: out of ignorance, out of fear of being pulled from the game, or because the symptoms are subtle at first.
To avoid complications and ensure a full recovery, there is now a structured four-step reporting process. These steps make it possible to quickly identify the injury, ensure the patient’s safety and put appropriate follow-up in place.
1. First Step: Recognizing the Signs and Immediate Removal
a. Identifying Symptoms From the Very First Moments
The first step in the reporting process is to recognize the early signs of a concussion. These can appear immediately or emerge a few minutes after the impact.
Typical symptoms include:
- Headaches or pressure in the head.
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
- Drowsiness or mental slowing.
b. The Reflex to Adopt: Remove the Person From the Activity
As soon as a concussion is suspected, the golden rule is clear:
“When in doubt, sit them out.”
The person must never continue playing, working or exerting themselves until a medical evaluation has been done. This precaution considerably reduces the risk of second impact syndrome, a rare but serious complication where a second blow occurs before the brain has fully healed.
c. Collective Responsibility
In schools, sports settings and workplaces, everyone involved (coach, teacher, colleague) must be aware of the signs of a concussion so they can trigger the reporting process at the first suspicion.
2. Second Step: Medical Evaluation and Case Documentation
a. Initial Assessment by a Healthcare Professional
Once removed from the activity, the patient must be assessed by a physician, an emergency doctor or a professional trained in head trauma. The goal is to rule out any serious brain injury (such as an intracranial hemorrhage) and confirm the concussion diagnosis.
The assessment includes:
- A complete neurological examination (reflexes, coordination, balance).
- Cognitive tests (memory, orientation, attention).
- The use of standardized tools, such as the SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool).
b. Documenting the Case
It is crucial to document the injury:
- Date and time of the impact.
- Context (sport, fall, accident).
- Symptoms observed.
- Progression in the hours that follow.
This information serves as a reference for medical follow-up and the gradual return to activities.
c. Communication With Those in Charge
In school or sports settings, supervising staff must inform parents, coaches and medical personnel. Clear communication ensures the person will be adequately monitored over the next 24 to 48 hours, a critical period during which some symptoms may worsen.
3. Third Step: Medical Follow-Up and Recovery Plan
a. Observation in the Following Days
After the initial diagnosis, the patient must be closely monitored. Symptoms can evolve: some fade, others appear later (fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances).
Physicians generally recommend:
- A complete rest of 24 to 48 hours, with no screens or mental effort.
- A gradual return to activities based on tolerance.
b. The Gradual Return Plan
The reintegration protocol usually follows five progressive steps, each separated by at least 24 hours:
- Light activities (walking, simple tasks).
- Moderate cognitive activities (reading, studying).
- Partial return to school or work.
- Moderate physical exercise without contact.
- Full return to normal activity, after medical clearance.
Returning too quickly prolongs symptoms and increases the risk of relapse.
c. Consulting Specialists
If symptoms persist beyond 2 to 3 weeks, the patient should see a neuropsychologist or a brain rehabilitation specialist. These professionals assess cognitive functions (memory, attention, processing speed) and may recommend appropriate rehabilitation.
4. Fourth Step: Neuropsychological Follow-Up and Relapse Prevention
a. In-Depth Assessment of Brain Functions
Neuropsychological follow-up makes it possible to precisely measure the impact of the concussion on mental, emotional and behavioural abilities. This follow-up is particularly useful for:
- Athletes at risk of relapse.
- Children and adolescents in school settings.
- Workers exposed to hazardous environments.
Standardized tests verify that cognitive function has returned to normal before a full return to activities.
b. Cognitive and Emotional Rehabilitation
When symptoms persist (mental fatigue, concentration problems, anxiety), targeted rehabilitation can help the brain regain its full efficiency. Modern tools (such as neurofeedback, the quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) and cognitive exercise programs) help stimulate weakened neuronal connections.
c. Long-Term Prevention
Once the concussion has healed, it is essential to:
- Wear appropriate protective equipment (helmets, harnesses).
- Adapt sports techniques to reduce blows to the head.
- Train supervisors to recognize warning signs.
Prevention relies above all on collective vigilance and transparency in reporting.
5. The Role of Schools and Sports Organizations
School and sports settings play a crucial role in the rapid reporting of concussions. Protocols should include:
- Standardized reporting forms.
- A clear communication chain between teachers, parents and healthcare professionals.
- Annual training on symptom recognition.
Some Canadian provinces already require schools to apply an official concussion management policy, inspired by the recommendations of the Canadian Paediatric Society and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
6. Why Rapid Reporting Changes Everything
Reporting within the first few hours makes it possible to:
- Avoid a second blow before full healing.
- Reduce the average duration of symptoms.
- Lower the risk of long-term after-effects.
- Ensure better psychological support.
Conversely, late reporting increases the risk of post-concussion syndrome, chronic anxiety and memory problems.
7. The Importance of Specialized Support
Concussion follow-up is not limited to medical observation. Since the brain has been thrown off balance, its cognitive and emotional circuits sometimes need to be retrained. This is where clinics specializing in neuropsychology come in, offering a scientific and personalized approach for each patient.
8. Neurodezign: Understanding, Rehabilitating and Preventing
Neurodezign is a Quebec clinic specializing in neuropsychological assessment and remediation. Its approach aims to optimize brain recovery after conditions such as concussion, learning disorders or attention deficits.
The team works with children, adolescents and adults, combining scientific rigour and modern technologies to restore the brain’s balance.
Advanced Tools for a Precise Assessment
Neurodezign uses methods combining classic neuropsychology and neurotechnology techniques, including:
- The quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG), which observes the brain’s electrical activity and identifies disrupted areas.
- Neurofeedback and biofeedback, which train the brain to regulate itself autonomously through real-time feedback.
Tailored Support for Each Patient
Each program is adapted to the patient’s needs:
- Cognitive and attentional rehabilitation.
- Stress management and emotional regulation.
- Optimizing the return to work, school or sports.
Neurodezign does not limit itself to treating symptoms; its mission is to help the brain regain its functional and emotional stability, while strengthening its long-term resilience.
Conclusion: Reporting Means Protecting
Reporting a concussion should never be taken lightly. It is a vital preventive measure, both to avoid immediate complications and to protect long-term cognitive health. The four reporting steps (recognition, evaluation, follow-up and rehabilitation) form an essential chain that saves lives and preserves neurological well-being.
Thanks to the expertise of centres like Neurodezign, the recovery process becomes more precise, measurable and human. These modern approaches make it possible not only to heal, but also to optimize brain performance, ensuring a return to active life and self-confidence.
