Concussion: Prevention and risks

How to reduce your risk of getting a concussion

Use safety equipment that fits properly. This includes:

Helmets can't prevent a concussion, but they may reduce its severity, and can prevent other serious injuries, like skull fractures.

Video: Helmet tips and tricks

You can reduce your risk of concussion in contact sports through:

Many national sports organizations have rules and procedures (protocols) for recognizing and managing concussions.

For more information on surveillance of traumatic brain injuries across the life course, including concussions, please see the Injury in review, 2020 edition: Spotlight on traumatic brain injuries across the life course.

Your doctor or health care provider will tell you when you can return to work, school and activities such as sports.

SCHOOLFirst handbook
- best practices for teachers and schools to support children and youth to return to school after a concussion
Return-to-School Strategy
- visual tool showing the stages of progression to support children and youth to return to learning and school safely
Return-to-Sport Strategy
- visual tool showing the steps to follow to return to sport and physical activity
Concussion Ed app:
- mobile and desktop app with free access to concussion information and resources
  - on the Apple App Store for iOS devices and on Google Play for Android devices