Concussion Resources

Concussion xray imageConcussions can have a direct impact on participant’s academic, physical, social and emotional functioning. However, if managed correctly, recovery from a concussion is possible!

As of July 1, 2019, new rules came into effect through Rowan’s Law to improve concussion safety in amateur competitive sport. Under Rowan's Law, all participants, coaches, trainers, UTM Sport staff and educators must review the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Concussion Awareness Resources that help prevent, identify and manage concussions and must sign Receipt every 12 months that the resources have been reviewed.

 

What symptoms are associated with concussion? 

The reaction to concussion – how an individual may feel – is often unique in terms of the type and intensity of symptoms. The most common symptoms are categorized into four general areas:

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Poor coordination/balance
  • Low energy
  • Feeling tired

COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS

  • Confusion
  • Poor concentration
  • Decrease in performance
  • Disorientation
  • Memory difficulty
  • Difficulty reading
  • Feeling slowed down
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Loss/impaired consciousness

SENSORY SYMPTOMS

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Double vision
  • Numbness/tingling

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

  • Personality or behaviour changes
  • Feeling depressed
  • Moodiness
  • Irritability
  • Anxious
  • Sadness
  • Drowsiness

UTM Concussion Code of Conduct

A Concussion Code of Conduct, reviewed by athletes, coaches and other designated individuals, are set rules of behaviour to minimize concussions while participating in sport.

UTM has developed its own Concussion Code of Conduct to support the UTM community in understanding how to participate in our sport programs while minimizing the risk of a concussion. All participants, coaches and other designated individuals, must sign the Code of Conduct every 12 months while participating in UTM Sports programming.

UTM On-Campus Support

If you suspect a concussion, either with yourself and/or a teammate, the first step is to be removed from playing and seek immediate attention. Players should not return to play until cleared by a physician.

U of T Mississauga has many on-campus support services to assist those suffering from a concussion, including academic accomodations: