Parents: Clubs and schools not protecting kids from concussion

More than two-thirds of parents believe schools and sports clubs are not protecting their children from the effects of concussion.

One in two people say that they would not recognise the signs of concussion.

And 80% of people are unaware that a concussion can be sustained by a bang to the body.

These figures are from a study published yesterday by Headway — the not-for-profit organisation which provides support to people affected by an acquired brain injury.

Headway has teamed up with GAA, soccer and rugby player unions to launch a campaign called Concussion Aware.

Due to the number of myths that circulate about concussion, such as the belief that only a direct blow to the head can cause one, Headway also published a number of facts to dispel these untruths.

• A concussion may be caused by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body if the force of the impact is transmitted to the head.
• Concussion can occur with or without loss of consciousness, and about 90% of concussions do not result in loss of consciousness.
• Factors, including age, gender and medical history, put an individual at risk for sustaining a concussion.
• No two concussions are identical. Research has identified six different clinical trajectories for concussion.
• Evidence-based active treatments for concussion exist, including vestibular therapy, vision therapy, exertion therapy and medications.
• Proper clinical management is the best form of prevention; recovery from one should not put an athlete at risk of another. However, there are some inherent conditions (migraines) that can put you at higher risk.
• Potential long-term effects from concussion come primarily from poorly managed injuries. Scientific studies linking concussion and long-term effects are still in progress and no definite conclusions can be made.
• While helmets have been shown to protect against skull fracture and severe traumatic brain injury, there is very little evidence that a particular brand of helmet reduces the incidence of concussion.