Mind Matters: Navigating the Complexity of Concussion Management

Ms Beth Nairn | Dean of Extra-Curricular

The concussion crisis has changed the face of sports as we know it and it has brought to surface the incredible importance of our brain health. The time is now for us to make our brain the number one priority so that education and awareness can take effect, and begin to change the way we approach the health of our athletes from youth to professionals.

Ben Utecht

Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury, have emerged as a significant concern across various sports and physical activities. Recent research has shed light on the risks associated with concussions, including the heightened vulnerability of girls in sports. Schools play a critical role in mitigating the risks and maximising the safety of their students.

The quest to devise a systematic approach to concussion management faces numerous hurdles as a result of inherent complexities associated with these incidents. A comprehensive concussion management plan must adopt a nuanced and adaptable approach.

Variability across sports:

Sports vary significantly in their risk profiles and the mechanisms that lead to concussion. The type and frequency of brain impacts may differ greatly between contact sports such as Rugby or AFL and non-contact sports such as Basketball or Netball. A cookie cutter approach will not adequately address the specific risks and needs of individual sports, leading to gaps in concussion management strategies. Sport-specific guidelines should be established to address the unique concussion risks each game poses. Collaborating with experts across different sport consultation organisations can help formulate tailored protocols that consider specific risk factors and injury patterns.

One mitigation strategy that is widely utilised involves adequate preparation. Athletes should undergo sufficient pre-season training in which coaches prioritise proper technique and fundamental skills for their respective sports. Targeted drills may include an emphasis on body positioning and awareness during contact, correct techniques when heading the ball or teaching players how to pre-empt dangerous situations. Employing suitable techniques can reduce forces of impact and lower the likelihood or severity of concussion injuries.

Robust and bespoke strength and conditioning programs that focus on improving neck strength and stability can assist in developing the muscles that support the head and reduce the effect of concussion via whiplash motion. Ensuring access to appropriate equipment and facilities may also play a part; however, traditional protective gear has limited capacity to reduce concussion risks.

Individualising concussion management:

It is vital to recognise that each concussion case is unique, and individual responses to injuries may vary, making it very challenging to predict the severity of each concussion and its long-term effects. Some athletes may exhibit immediate symptoms, while others may experience delayed onset or subtle signs that are harder to recognise. Numerous studies have communicated that girls participating in sports may be at a higher risk of sustaining concussions compared to boys and may take longer to recover. Several factors contribute to this, including anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical differences. Schools need to tailor their approach to concussion management and cannot rely on standardised protocols.

"Brain injuries are like snowflakes and fingerprints. No two are the same.”

Wendy Renzulla

Baseline testing:

Baseline assessments, often conducted before a sporting season begins, are aimed at providing a reference point for evaluating an athlete's cognitive function after a concussion. However, the unreliability of baseline testing poses a challenge. The accuracy of baseline data can be influenced by various factors, including brain development, motivation, fatigue, or underlying health conditions. These inconsistencies make it challenging to establish a definitive comparison.

Education and debunking myths:

Educating staff, students, and parents about concussions is paramount. An inclusive approach to education should raise awareness of concussion incidents and symptoms, address the importance of prompt reporting, highlight the relevance of immediate cognitive and physical rest, and establish the value of early medical intervention.

In the realm of sports and concussions, some parents and students might unknowingly downplay the seriousness of concussion injuries to avoid exclusion from the game. Their intentions may stem from a desire to participate in the sport they love, but this behaviour can prevent being truthful about concussion injuries. It is crucial to educate stakeholders about the potential long-term consequences of concussions and the importance of prioritising health and wellbeing over immediate participation. Encouraging an open and transparent environment, where reporting injuries is valued, can help foster a safer and more responsible approach.

Stakeholders should be well-informed about common misconceptions. Dispelling myths, such as the necessity of losing consciousness for a concussion to occur, empowers individuals to recognise and respond to brain trauma injuries accurately. Collaboration between school personnel, medical professionals, parents, and students ensures proper care and support, and facilitates a smooth transition back to academics and sports, with the aim of providing ample opportunities for participation. Families play a pivotal role in supporting schools' efforts to protect young people. Actively engaging with school policies and participating in concussion education opportunities helps families understand the importance of following return-to-learn and return-to-play guidelines.

Safeguarding our youth from concussions requires a collective effort. By implementing evidence-based mitigation strategies, staying informed about the latest research and guidelines, and fostering honesty and transparency in reporting incidents and symptoms, schools can create safer environments for their students. It is crucial to strike a balance between protecting and ensuring ample sport opportunities. Empowering young people in sports means prioritising their wellbeing while allowing them to pursue their passion for physical activity with confidence and care.