Minister Murnane O’Connor publishes concussion guidance for the general public
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The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has today published guidelines to assist the public in recognising and managing concussion in grassroots sports.
Concussion can be caused by a blow to the head, neck or body and causes a disturbance to how the brain works. There are many signs and symptoms of concussion, common ones being headache, dizziness, memory disturbance or balance problems.
These guidelines provide the public with information on identifying the signs and symptoms of concussion, along with advice on how they can respond to someone who may be concussed.
Developed with the support of concussion experts from the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University, the guidance follows international best practice. It has now been circulated to the sporting bodies around the country.
The core message is “if in doubt, sit them out”, advising that anyone suspected of concussion should immediately be removed from play.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“While many national governing bodies for sport have their own tailored guidance, the public may be less aware of how to deal with concussion at grassroots level. The guidelines flag some important dos and don’ts. Today’s publication is informed by best practice from concussion experts and complements more specific advice.
“At elite sport level, there is often medical expertise to hand during competition. However, concussion can also occur at community level and across the lifespan, for example, amongst children and young people who face additional risks and possible side effects. I am pleased to publish this straightforward, easily digestible information to assist those who may witness a collision or head injury on the sports field.”
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Professor Mary Horgan said:
“Thousands of people play sport every week to have fun, stay fit and healthy.
“A headache, feeling sick or dizzy may appear quite mild, but these can point to concussion. The clear message from the guidelines is if in doubt, sit them out and seek medical advice.”
The Health Service Executive’s National Clinical Advisor in Neurosurgery Prof Donncha O’Brien said:
“This guidance is warmly welcomed. It is practical and meaningful, it is easy to understand and apply, and it fills a gap in what is published on concussion.”
ENDS
Notes
The document “Guidelines for recognising and managing concussion for grassroots sports” is available here.
The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Sport Ireland have circulated the guidelines to sporting bodies across the country.
The guidelines include prompt questions, such as asking the person if they know where they are, how they got to the sporting event and if they can describe the sporting event in which they are taking part.
While a healthcare professional with training in concussion should always play the lead role in managing the response, these guidelines reflect a more general understanding of concussion and the potential risks.