October 22, 2024
Experts stress the need for better awareness, protective measures, and appropriate protocols to safeguard young athletes from concussions and brain injuries sustained while playing sport.
When Berengere’s 11-year-old son Henri was hit on the forehead by a basketball during a school match, he felt unwell and experienced pins and needles in his arms and legs.
But according to Headsafe’s brain injury specialist Dr Adrian Cohen, younger brains are much more susceptible to concussion or a significant brain injury.Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that in 2021-22, while the number of adults hospitalised with a sport-related concussion was 14 per cent, for children it was as high as 37 per cent.
“My mother, who is a retired nurse, was like, ‘What’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you getting out of bed?'”, she said. Four years later, Emily is still dealing with a multitude of issues, including light and sound sensitivity, migraines and problems with her memory.27-year-old Liam Randles-Martin was playing for the Renegade Pub Football League in Melbourne when he suffered his first concussion during a friendly game of AFL 7s in the off-season.”I felt like I was looking down a tunnel and I got strangely emotional.
“Severe brain damage and death can be the result — some of these young players do not go home to their parents.”This is because helmets don’t lessen the energy transferred to the brain. Instead, they help prevent “cauliflower ears” and superficial lacerations.”Nothing can fully prevent a concussion as the brain will still be shaken inside the skull regardless of protective gear”, Miriam Priglinger-Coorey said.
A spokesperson for Tasmania’s Department of Education told the ABC “there is currently no specific concussion policy …” but there are “duty of care procedures” if a student needs medical assistance.