Concussion

Head injuries can occur in all sports and must be treated seriously.

Who?
Anyone in contact sports. Concussion is most common in boxing, skiing, rugby and football.

How?
It is caused by a hard blow to the head or by striking the head against a stationary object.

Why?
An injury to the head causes the brain to bounce against the rigid bone of the skull.

This may cause a tearing or twisting of the structures and blood vessels of the brain, which results in a breakdown of the normal flow of messages within the brain.

Symptoms?
Headache, nausea, dizziness, sickness, increased pupil size, and confusion.

Treatment?
Light concussion: can return to playing within fifteen minutes after medical check.

Severe concussion: if unconscious, then check air passage is free and call trained first aider to the scene. A brain scan in hospital may be advisable.

Return?
Usually within 15 minutes after passing medical check.

In more serious cases it can be over a week before full recovery.

Rugby players are not allowed play for three weeks after sustaining concussion.

Post-concussion syndrome can kick in after weeks and months if proper treatment was not given at the time of the original injury.