| Concussion, Sport and Brain Injury |
CampaignsConcussion and Sports Related Brain InjurySports related head injuries make a significant contribution to the overall numbers of brain injuries worldwide. In more recent years the dangers of repeated concussions have been raised by players, families and researchers. Concussion is now recognised as a major concern for all contact sports which has stimulated research in many countries and includes current and retired athletes from many disciplines. Many researchers, retired players, journalists and charities are campaigning for stricter control of contact sports and more research into the links between concussion and degenerative brain disease UKABIF supports their efforts and the agreement of the guidelines which are coming into effect in many sporting practices to safeguard players of all ages. Why is a concussion bad? Concussed athletes are three times more likely to get another concussion 1. Brain energy crisis 2. Slow reflexes and reaction time 3. Poor balance 4. Slower thinking 5. Bad playing style 92% of repeated concussion occur within 10 days of the first concussion McCrea et al. Neurosurgery 2009 Guskiewicz et al JAMA 2003 Dr Willie Stewart, consultant neuropathologist and honorary clinical associate professor at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, is a key player in raising awareness and carrying out research in this area. He is on the expert panel of the FA and assisted in the development of their new guidelines. See @WillStewNeuro for details Films Concussion the movie - trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io6hPdC41RM Head Games: The Global Concussion Crisis www.headgamesthefilm.com/ The Crash Reel www.thecrashreel.com/store Campaigns The Mail on Sunday Concussion Campaign www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/concussion/index.htm - see also The Jeff Astle Foundation www.thejeffastlefoundation.co.uk/ Jeff Astle was a footballer who died in 2002 aged just 59, the results of his post mortem raised serious concerns about sports related brain disease @peterrobinson86 Peter Robinson aims to raise awareness of the dangers of concussion after his son, Ben died during a rugby game aged 14 Guidelines and Tools 'If in doubt, sit them out' The RFU's Headcase website - online education and information for for Coaches, Match Officials, Players and Teachers, Parents & Guardians of youth players.www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/players/player-health/concussion-headcase/# Sport Concussion Assessment Tool for children ages 5 to12 years http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/263.full.pdf Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – 3rd edition http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/259.full.pdf Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance:Grassroots sport and general public Scottish-Sports-Concussion-Guidance.pdf Research The International Concussion and Head Injury Research Foundation www.ichirf.org/ |
