Key points

• Diagnosing sports-related concussions can be challenging due to subtle and variable symptoms, necessitating expert assessment.
• New Zealand's ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) plays a crucial role by providing financial assistance, treatment, and rehabilitation, emphasising athlete safety.
• Immediate effects of sports concussions include symptoms like dizziness, nausea, memory loss, and headaches, requiring quick recognition and management.
• Concussions can also have psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings, and the ACC offers mental health support.
• Preventing concussions involves strategies like strict tackling guidelines, protective equipment, and education on recognising concussion signs.
• Coaches and athletes should prioritise safety, with the ACC offering educational resources and workshops.
• Steps to take if a concussion is suspected include stopping play, seeking medical attention, resting, monitoring symptoms, following medical advice, avoiding certain substances, gradual return to activities, and utilising ACC support.
• Proper concussion management is vital for long-term athlete health, with ACC providing essential support throughout the process.
• The Active+ Concussion service, fully funded by ACC, is available across New Zealand to help athletes recover from concussions.

Introduction

Concussions in contact sports have garnered significant attention worldwide due to their potential long-term consequences on athletes' well-being. In New Zealand, sports like rugby and football hold a special place in our hearts, and the impact of head injuries is a matter of increasing concern.   

The legendary former rugby union player and All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw, known for his exceptional skill and leadership on the field, has faced numerous physical challenges throughout his career, including six concussions – one of which resulted in a three-month spell on the side-lines in 2004 to recover¹.

This article explores the challenges of diagnosing and managing sports-related concussions, looking at their immediate effects, recovery, and strategies for prevention.

The unique challenges of diagnosing sports-related concussions

The complexities of diagnosing sports-related concussions lie in the variability and subtlety of symptoms.   

Athletes may not exhibit immediate signs, making it challenging for coaches or team-mates to identify the injury. As a result, timely assessment by qualified medical professionals is essential to accurately diagnose concussions and formulate appropriate treatment plans.

New Zealand's ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) plays a pivotal role in this process by providing not only financial assistance, but also by fostering a culture of athlete safety. ACC ensures that individuals suffering from concussions receive the necessary care and support throughout their recovery journey.

The immediate and short-term effects of sports concussions

When an athlete sustains a concussion, they may experience a range of immediate and short-term effects. These can include dizziness, nausea, memory loss, and headaches, among others. Immediate recognition and appropriate management are crucial to minimising the severity of these effects.

In addition to the physical symptoms, there may also be psychological effects. Athletes can grapple with anxiety, depression, and mood swings as they navigate the recovery process. In New Zealand, the ACC Scheme extends its support to encompass mental health services (including counselling), ensuring that athletes receive comprehensive care during their rehabilitation.  

Prolonged recovery: dealing with persistent symptoms

While some athletes may recover from concussions relatively quickly, a minority can experience persistent symptoms that can affect their daily lives and careers. The ACC Scheme provides vital financial and rehabilitation support for individuals facing prolonged recovery, ensuring that injured athletes can focus on their recovery without financial worries.

Importantly, the Scheme recognises that concussion recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process.  It adapts to the unique needs of each athlete, facilitating access to specialised medical care and therapies when necessary. This tailored approach underscores New Zealand's commitment to helping athletes regain their health and return to the sports they love.

Instances of concussion may be more common than you may think, and a lot of the time people might not be aware they have suffered from one. Research has shown that getting early treatment for a concussion means a higher chance of full recovery. So, the sooner you get help the sooner you’ll feel better. If you need support, our Active+ Concussion service is fully-funded by ACC and is available at various clinics throughout New Zealand.

How Active+ can help support you through concussion

The Active+ Concussion Service is an interdisciplinary programme funded by ACC to assist individuals in their rehabilitation from mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries. The service offers effective interventions and educational support aimed at preventing symptoms from persisting beyond the typical recovery period. The programme is entirely covered by ACC when approved, so there’s no additional burden for clients who need treatment and support. 

Taking a holistic approach, our primary goal is to help individuals return to their regular activities as quickly as possible. The assessment process is customised to cater to the unique needs of each case, ensuring the best possible recovery outcomes. 

A team of specialised professionals, well-versed in treating mild to moderate TBIs, may be involved in the treatment process. The team collaborates closely with one another, as well as with clients, their families/whānau, and ACC, to facilitate long-term recovery. The team might include:

• Medical experts, including Neurologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Psychologists/Neuropsychologists
• Physiotherapists
• Registered Nurses
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Social Workers

Preventing sports concussions: strategies for safer play

Prevention is, without a doubt, the best approach to managing concussions in high-contact sports.   

New Zealand rugby and football organisations have taken significant steps to enhance player safety.   These include strict guidelines on tackling techniques, protective equipment, and mandatory education on recognising the signs of concussion. By creating a culture of safety within our sporting communities, we can reduce the incidence of concussions and promote athlete well-being.

Concussion prevention is not limited to the field; it starts with proper training and coaching. Coaches and athletes must prioritise safe play and understand the importance of reporting potential head injuries. The ACC Scheme supports these efforts by offering educational resources and workshops to sports organisations across the country.

What to do if you have a sports-related concussion

Experiencing a sports-related concussion requires prompt and appropriate action to ensure your well-being and a successful recovery. If you suspect you or someone else has suffered a concussion, follow these key steps:

1. Stop playing immediately: If you're on the field, court, or participating in any sports activity, stop playing and remove yourself from the game. Continuing to play can worsen the injury.
   
   
2. Seek medical attention: Contact a healthcare professional, preferably one with experience in managing concussions, such as those affiliated with ACC or a Concussion Service provider like Active+.
   
   
3. Rest: Give your brain time to heal by getting plenty of rest for the first couple of days.  Avoid physical and mental exertion, including work, school, and strenuous activities.
   
   
4. Symptom monitoring: Continually track your symptoms and follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider. Report any changes or worsening of symptoms promptly.
   
   
5. Follow medical advice: If your doctor advises you to take time off work or refrain from sports activities, adhere to their recommendations until you receive medical clearance.
   
   
6. Avoid alcohol and certain medications: Refrain from alcohol, sleeping pills, or illegal substances, as they can mask symptoms or exacerbate the injury.
   
   
7. Gradual return to activities: Only return to physical activities, including sports, when you've received medical clearance.   Follow a structured plan for a gradual reintegration to prevent re-injury.
   
   
8. Utilise ACC support: If needed, consider seeking assistance from ACC for financial support during your recovery. ACC is committed to ensuring injured athletes receive the necessary care and assistance.

Remember that the proper management of a sports-related concussion is essential for your long-term health and well-being. Don't hesitate to consult with healthcare professionals and rely on the support available through ACC to facilitate a safe and successful recovery journey in New Zealand.

Summary

Concussions in high-contact sports, like rugby and football, are a pressing concern for athletes in New Zealand. Recognising the symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention, and following appropriate recovery protocols are essential steps in minimising the impact of these injuries. The ACC Scheme plays a crucial role in supporting injured athletes, ensuring they receive the care and compensation they deserve.

As we continue to celebrate our sporting heroes, it's vital that we prioritise their well-being both on and off the field. By adopting preventive measures, fostering a culture of safety, and providing comprehensive support, we can enjoy our favourite sports while safeguarding the health and future of our athletes.   

Together, we can tackle the issue of concussions head-on and ensure that New Zealand remains a safe and nurturing environment for athletes to thrive.

Reviewed by: Kris Fernando

Sources:
¹ RNZ | McCaw counts himself lucky over head injuries (Accessed: Sept 2023)