Commission: Concussion

Concussion is described by the NHS as a "Mild Traumatic head injury" and a "Temporary loss of brain function" which is caused by a heavy blow to the head which causes the brain to shift inside the skull.

Some of the symptoms are as follows:

- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion (unaware of surroundings, delay answering questions and having blank expressions)
- Nausea
- Loss of Balance
- Feeling Stunned or Dazed
- Vision Disturbances (Seeing double, blurred, flashing lights and seeing stars)
- Difficulty with memory
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Changes in Behavior (irritable)
- Inappropriate emotional responses (Suddenly bursting into laughter or tears)

For more head to http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Concussion/Pages/Symptoms.aspx where I found a lot of really helpful information.

Concussion is described as a mild traumatic head injury, so people do not tend to take it seriously or realize that this is an issue. Especially within rugby.

As a Rugby player myself I used o find injuries to me more achievements, to say and be able to prove that you put your body on the line for the good of your mates and to win was something to be proud of and admire. However, now is it time to start thinking about a players own welfare?

At international level they have introduced a concussion protocol which allows a 10 minute substitution if their is reason to believe that the player in question was unconscious or concussed. If they pass they are allowed to return to the field, if they fail they must stay off and remain substituted along with a three week break from contact sport to allow the brain to repair and rest.

So is it time that all clubs and schools teach concussion to all players young and old and introduce the concussion protocol to all levels of rugby.

From the footage below however you can see there is still work needed.