The first annual Concussion Awareness Week will be held across British Columbia from September 26 to October 2, to raise awareness about concussions and encourage everyone to learn to prevent, recognize, respond to, and manage this invisible injury.

Many people assume that concussions only happen to professional athletes, but concussions are actually the most common form of head injury and can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. Each year in BC, almost 600 people are hospitalized for a concussion, and approximately 14,500 visit the emergency department. It is important to note that this number is likely an underestimate of the true burden of concussion, as concussions are often under reported due to a lack of knowledge and awareness.

The real danger for most concussions occurs when the injury is not recognized or managed incorrectly. Returning to full activity too soon can result in more severe symptoms or long-term problems, which is why raising awareness around concussions is key to reduce the burden and severity of concussions.

We encourage everyone to get involved in BC’s Concussion Awareness Week. To learn how you can get involved, download our toolkit below.

Concussion Facts:

  • Concussions are the most common form of head injury caused by an impact or forceful motion of the head or other part of the body, resulting in rapid movement of the brain within the skull.
  • Most concussions DO NOT include a loss of consciousness. Loss of consciousness occurs in less than 10% of diagnosed concussions.
  • Every year more than 5,000 children in BC between the ages of 0 – 14 years are diagnosed with a concussion.
  • Causes of concussions vary depending on age, but include falls (at home in young kids), sports, recreational activities, and road-use (cycling, pedestrian incidents, vehicle collisions).

To get involved in Concussion Awareness Week, download our toolkit.

View the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute news release here.