Despite ever expanding research and education on the prevention and management of concussions, there are still a number of myths and misperceptions of the injury in the hockey community. These myths may seem harmless but can have very negative consequences when dealing with concussions. 

Our concussion specialists at the National Dizzy and Balance Center have addressed 10 of the most common myths in an effort to provide players, parents, coaches and officials with the most accurate information possible.

If you have additional questions, feel free to visit their website or call 612-440-9818. 

Myth: If you have a concussion, symptoms will be present immediately.

While there may be immediate symptoms, symptoms can sometimes take hours, days, weeks or months to appear after the initial injury occurred.

Myth: Concussions are only a result of a direct blow to the head.

Concussions can result from a direct blow to the head or an indirect blow to the head (ex: blow to the body which causes whiplash effect). Also, the acceleration and deceleration in the neck and head can also cause a concussion.  

Myth: There must be a loss of consciousness for an athlete to sustain a concussion.

You do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. However, if the athlete DOES lose consciousness at any time, they must seek medical attention as soon as possible.  Furthermore, evidence shows that you are at greater risk for another concussion if you have suffered a concussion in the past.

Myth: You do not need to visit the hospital after a suspected concussion occurs, because they will heal on their own.

It is best practice to have a suspected concussion evaluated by a trained medical professional. Yes, concussions take time to heal, but to avoid making the injury worse by returning to activities too soon (school, sports, etc.) it is best to get it evaluated to understand the severity of the injury. Most return to play programs will follow a step by step process and will exclude activities that make symptoms worse or put you as risk of another concussion. Most importantly, if the athlete is still symptomatic at the end of the game or practice, (especially at the high school level) this warrants a mandatory visit to a medical doctor. 

Myth: If a player hits their head during a game or practice and comes off the ice and the player says they are okay, it is okay for them to go back on the ice.

If a player comes off of the ice for a suspected concussion or head injury or is experiencing symptoms of a concussion, a healthcare professional should evaluate their symptoms and the player should NOT return to play/practice that day. The player should be fully evaluated and cleared to play before returning to the ice.

Myth: Mouthguards and helmet can prevent concussions.

The use of helmets and protective gear (mouthguards, face shields, etc) are essential in preventing catastrophic head injuries and other traumatic head and facial injuries (skull fracture). However, the use of helmets and mouth guards will NOT prevent a concussion from occurring. While mouth guards help reduce dental injuries, substantial evidence stating that mouth guards reduce concussions is still unavailable.

Myth: When dealing with a concussion, it is okay to use common painkillers to manage headaches. 

Concussed patients should avoid taking medications containing aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.). These medications may increase intracranial bleeding, mask the severity and duration of symptoms, and possibly lead to a more severe injury. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used sparingly to ease headaches after concussion. 

Myth: Don't allow those with concussions to sleep for extended periods of time.

In general, the athlete or child does NOT need to be awakened during the night unless he or she experienced loss of consciousness, prolonged periods of amnesia, or significant symptoms before going to bed. If the athletic trainer or physician recommends nighttime waking, the responsible adult will be provided with instructions on when to wake the child and what to watch for during waking periods.

Myth: Once my child has a baseline test, they are set for life.

It is recommended that a child get a baseline test every year until they turn 16. Once they are 16 it is recommended that they receive a baseline test every 2 years. This is because the brain is constantly developing at young ages so it is important to keep an up to date baseline.

Myth: Parents have the authority to allow their kids to keep playing after a potential injury situation.

Coaches and officials can pull a player out of the game, but most of the time they will ask the health care provider (ATC) working the game to assess the injury and make the executive decision. If the parents have a problem with the health care providers decision, then it is the Coaches and the Officials responsibility to back up the health care provider and sit the athlete. The Health care provider (ATC) has the deciding rule at ALL times, and the Coaches and Officials will listen. Parents do NOT have the authority to pull a player or allow them to keep playing.