Rugby stars warn of concussion’s dangerous and lasting side effects

TOP rugby stars are warning sports enthusiasts not to ignore the dangerous side effects of concussion which could lead to permanent brain injuries.

Munster captain Denis Leamy and former Leinster, Munster and Connacht player John Fogarty have spoken openly about the effects suffering concussions has had on their lives.

Mr Fogarty said in matches he would shrug off a concussion as “only a knock” and now suffers from the lasting effects, including mood swings, irritability, headaches and fatigue.

“I never gave my body the chance to heal after these knocks and my family and I are now living with the consequences,” the former rugby star said.

“To me, concussion was a natural side effect of the game. I now understand the complexities associated with it and the need for the care of concussion to be highlighted,” Mr Fogarty said.

Mr Leamy said wearing a scrum cap while playing rugby, a helmet when playing GAA or whatever protective headgear is available is an easy way to look after your health and your future.

The pair were speaking at the launch of Ireland’s first comprehensive pocket guide on Acquired Brain Injury, published by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland.

More than 13,000 people in Ireland are affected by acquired brain injuries every year, with men three times more likely than women to acquire a brain injury and young men in particular between the ages of 16-24 at high risk.

According to ABI Ireland, an acquired brain injury can result in a personality change and affect memory, speech, mobility, sight, judgment, ability to cope with pressure and understanding situations.

Chief executive of ABI Ireland Barbara O’Connell described the guide as extremely valuable because it provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and treatment of acquired brain injury in plain English.

Director of the ABI programme at National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dr Mark Delargy added that sporting organisations need to make players aware of the danger of concussion and how it can lead to more permanent brain injuries.

“Concussion is a considered by some experts to be a mild brain injury and, as such, people need to recognise the injury and treat it effectively just like they would other injuries,” he said.

* www.abiireland.ie