Is concussion a public health issue?

A substantial volume of news coverage about concussion in sports in recent months has reinforced the need to improve awareness and training amongst both coaching staff and management at all levels – from elite professional squads through to school teams. A school district in Canada has itself gone further still by identifying concussion as a public health issue.

The Halton District School Board is teaching its ninth grade students (aged 14) about the dangers of concussion and traumatic brain injuries – not only sports related – alongside those of tobacco and drugs. A modified course is being taught to pupils as young as eight.

Whilst concussion education is not uncommon in north America, it is often confined to providing a fact sheet to parents. By talking directly to students, the school board hopes to change the attitude of younger people and ultimately the culture of the sports they enjoy so that they look out for the safety of each other as well as themselves.

The programme is not without its critics. Many people believe that a greater emphasis on the risk of concussion will lead to children avoiding team sports in particular and missing out on the many health and social benefits they offer.

A number of governing bodies have revised their guidelines and procedures relsating to head injuries in 2014, and many sports acknowledge that a change of culture is necessary to prioritise personal safety over the pressure to return to a game too quickly.

Striking the right balance between reducing risk and encouraging participation was never going to be easy.

What is the Brain Injury Group?

Brain Injury Group is a free service designed to connect those affected by a brain injury (whether there is a claim or not) to a range of experts who may be able to offer advice and assistance.

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The Brain Injury Group exists to support individuals and families affected by brain injury and the health and social care professionals working in this specialist field. Our mission is to provide anyone affected by brain injury with access to advice on legal, financial and welfare benefit issues delivered by proven experts in the field who have been chosen not only for their skills and knowledge, but also for their passion and dedication to helping people.

As well as providing legal and welfare advice, Brain Injury Group provide training for legal, health and social care professionals.

How can Brain Injury Group help you?

If you would like advice about bringing a brain injury claim, capacity, deputyships, managing the award of compensation or any other aspect of brain injury welfare, legal or financial advice, we have specialist brain injury solicitors and Court of Protection solicitors who can assist.

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