According to the latest Consensus Statement on Concussions in Sport (released in November 2012), concussions aren’t easily prevented. Helmets don’t do the trick. Nor do mouth guards.
In fact, there’s some suggestion that helmets may provide a false sense of security that results in more aggressive play, thereby actually increasing the risk of concussion.
Even removing contact from sports isn’t protection enough, as a direct blow to the head isn’t necessary for a concussion to occur. Any hit, collision or blow to the body that causes the head to whip forward, backward or sideways can cause the brain to collide with the skull.
So how do you reduce the risk of getting a concussion? By understanding the signs and symptoms and living by the rule “when it doubt sit out”.
“The cornerstone of concussion management is physical and cognitive rest until the acute symptoms resolve and then a graded program of exertion prior to medical clearance and return to play,” states the 2012 Consensus Statement on Concussions in Sport.
For more info on concussion management, check out what Scott Delaney, team physician for the Montreal Alouettes, Montreal Impact, Cirque de Soleil and McGill’s football and soccer teams has to say in my column this week about diagnosing and treating concussions.