Concussion in sport

Sport plays a key role in keeping us fit and healthy, with team sports in particular providing a host of additional benefits including social interaction and, instilling discipline and teamwork in young people.

As with in life in general, however, accidents and collisions can occur in contact sports – with head injuries commonplace in sports such as football, rugby, hockey and many others. And while rules are in place in such sports to protect players from head injuries, collisions are inevitable in contact sports.

If in doubt, sit it out!

It is vital that all who participate in or watch sport are aware of the risks of concussion – particularly those involved at a grassroots or junior level, where ambulances and medics are not on standby should something go wrong.

What is concussion?

In simple terms, a concussion – or minor brain injury – is a temporary disturbance in the brain’s functioning as a result of a blow to the head.

The effects of concussion can leave people with symptoms including dizziness, nausea, confusion or an inability to process or retain information, sensitivity to light, and vision distortion.

In some cases, an individual may lose consciousness as a result of the head injury, but it is important to note that only around 10% of reported concussions involve a loss of consciousness – so it’s important to not solely rely on this as an indicator.

How to identify concussion

Concussions are notoriously difficult to identify, particularly in the midst of a sports match. It can be an evolving condition, with the symptoms taking time to display themselves, while many of the symptoms require honesty from the individual (feelings of nausea, vision distortion etc.).

Given the difficulty in identifying concussion and the risks of continuing to play once one has been sustained, the message has to be if in doubt, sit it out!

Basic assessment tools are freely available on the internet, including the most widely-used Sideline Assessment Concussion Tool (SCAT) – see http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/259.full.pdf.

However, while this contains useful information, it should only be used as a diagnostic tool by medical professionals.

Signs of concussion to look out for include:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Unsteadiness or imbalance

• Confusion

• Slurred speech

• Blurred or distorted vision

If any of these symptoms are experienced following a blow to the head, the player must be removed from the game to seek medical attention and not be allowed to return to the field of play.

Graduated return to play (and training) protocols must then be observed, with a player only commencing physical activity once he or she has received medical clearance to do so.

What are the risks of ignoring concussion?

While injuries to external parts of the body can be identified, it is impossible to know what damage has occurred in the immediate aftermath of a head injury. Concussion is an evolving injury and the symptoms may be delayed in their presentation.

In the majority of cases, there will no long-term damage caused by a concussion – if treated appropriately with rest and medical assessment. Occasionally, complications can arise from seemingly minor blows to the head, which is why it is vital that people seek medical attention following a concussion.

There are significant risks in returning to the field of play after sustaining a concussion. If a player sustains another blow to the head before the brain has had a chance to recover from the initial concussion, the damage can be exacerbated to the point that it can be – on rare occasions – fatal. This is known as Second Impact Syndrome and it is believed to be most common among children and young adults.

In addition to putting themselves at risk of sustaining a more serious brain injury by returning to the field of play following a concussion, players are more susceptible to other injuries as they will not be able to perform at their best – either physically or cognitively.

Expert support for Headway’s concussion campaign

Willie Stewart

Consultant Neuropathologist at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital and leading sports concussion expert.

“There is no doubting the benefits of participating in sport. There is also no doubt that head injuries in sport are best managed by adopting an ‘If in doubt, sit them out’ policy.

“As such, this campaign by Headway is a most welcome initiative which should encourage safe engagement in sport, while protecting athletes from issues relating to incorrect management of brain injury.”

Professor Tony Belli

Neurosurgeon at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital and neurosurgery researcher.

“If managed properly, the vast majority of people are fine within a few days of a concussion. If you ignore it, there is a much higher risk of long-term problems and occasionally, even serious damage.

“Heed Headway’s advice: if in doubt, sit it out, and never ignore it!”

Lewis Moody

Former England Rugby Union captain, who also played for Leicester Tigers and Bath

"If you do suspect concussion, please alert your coach. Allow them to make a decision. Don't play on regardless thinking you're doing the right thing...you could be letting your team down as if you have got a concussion you might not react as quickly and you won't get there quickly. The last thing you want to do is let someone down."

Dr Barry O'Driscoll

Former Ireland Rugby Union player and former advisor to World Rugby

"What has become increasingly indisputable over this period has been the potential short, medium and long term brain damage from concussive episodes, most of which present with mild/moderate transient symptoms or signs.

"The bottom line in sport is: Recognise & Remove. Even with the suspicion of a possible concussion, it is essential that the player leaves the field immediately, with NO return to play until considerable rest and medical advice has been effected."