MEDIA RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014
Concussion in sport: debunking the myths
Physiotherapy New Zealand says that despite a high media profile there are still misconceptions around concussion in
sport.
Professor Tony Schneiders, a physiotherapist and sports-medicine researcher from Central Queensland University, says a
common myth is that you need to be knocked out to suffer concussion.
“In reality only an estimated 10% of concussions actually result in unconsciousness.”
“Concussion myths like this need to be debunked so that as many concussions as possible can be identified and managed
accordingly.”
ACC figures for 2013 show there were more than 5500 claims for sport-related concussion or brain injuries, and
Schneiders adds that this is likely to be an under-representation of the true number as many go unidentified or
unreported.
Schneiders says that there has also been much hype around second-impact syndrome where it has been thought that two
concussions in quick succession can result in serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
“Fortunately there is no proof that this is actually the case, however an initial concussion does significantly increase
the risk of a subsequent one if the athlete has not fully recovered.”
Physiotherapy New Zealand President Ian d’Young says concussion is often associated with full-contact sports such as
rugby, but can occur in any sport or activity so it’s important everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms.
Immediate signs of concussion can include alterations in balance, slurred speech, poor memory and inability to focus and
concentrate.
Schneiders says the best treatment advice he can give to anyone who believes they may have been concussed is to seek
appropriate advice.
“Every player suspected of sustaining a concussion should be immediately removed from play and assessed by a medical
doctor as soon as possible. They should also gain medical clearance before returning to sport, activity, school or
work.”
“Following adequate rest, a graduated return to activity and sport while monitoring signs and symptoms is at the centre
of effective concussion management.”
The Australian-based Schneiders will be visiting New Zealand in September to speak at the national physiotherapy
conference around debunking some of the myths associated with head injury in sport. He will also outline the current
best practice identification and management, including the SCAT3 tool – a global tool for identifying, assessing and
managing athletes who have sustained a concussion.
For more information visit www.physiotherapy.org.nz
ENDS