While the short-term symptoms of concussion
are reversible, research suggests that
even a single knock to the head can have
severe consequences later in life. For example,
figures from one study that analysed the records
of more than 160,000 trauma patients identified
that, in patients aged 65 and older, just one
concussion was associated with a 22-26% increase
in dementia risk in the following five to seven years.
Even clearer is research showing that neurological
damage accumulates with multiple knocks
to the head, even when they are apparently
symptomless, or ‘sub-concussive’. Repeated
concussion has been linked to increased risk of
neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s
and Parkinson’s disease, as well as chronic traumatic
encephalopathy (CTE) – see page below about
the medical identification of this condition.
Data from studies of former American
footballers is staggering. A survey of more than
2000 retired professional players found that
those with a history of multiple concussions were
three times more likely to have been diagnosed
with clinical depression. Another study of death
certificates found that the death rate from
neurodegenerative diseases was three times higher
for pro-footballers than the general population.
CHAPTER 1. WHAT IS CONCUSSION?
Because the symptoms usually
resolve by themselves, a
concussion is best managed
with physical and cognitive
rest. However, stories about the
potentially tragic consequences
of undetected brain injuries are
difficult to ignore. Symptoms
of severe TBI can develop
over several hours. Therefore,
after a knock to the head, it’s
important to be alert for the first
24 hours. Some symptoms are
red flags for more severe brain
injury: if a head injury results
in a loss of consciousness,
increasing confusion, vomiting
or a worsening headache, the
person should seek medical
advice. It’s important that a
doctor makes an assessment
to rule out more severe TBI.
THE MESSAGE
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK
MEDICAL ADVICE?
THE LONG-TERM
CONSEQUENCES OF
CONCUSSION
Former
NFL player
Mike Webster
(below)
PHOTOGRAPHY GEORGE GOJKOVICH/GETTY IMAGES