Long term head trauma impacts concern for sporting bodies and GPs

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warned that government and sporting bodies must do more to limit the long-term impacts of concussions and repeated head trauma.

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins has called for stronger action in a submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs inquiry into concussions and head trauma in contact sports.

“More can and should be done to prevent the damage caused by concussions and head trauma,” she said.

“We are learning more and more about the management of prolonged concussion symptoms, such as post-concussion syndrome and suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE, which many people may recognise from an increasing number

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of concerning media reports following the deaths of sports stars such as Danny Frawley and Shane Tuck.

“CTE must be taken extremely seriously, and it isn’t just something that we need to worry about in adult sport, damage to the brain can happen at an early age whenever there are repeated knocks to the head.

“GPs play a vital role here and with greater support we can do even more to help patients suffering from concussion and head trauma.

“We are the ones often required to assess and provide clearance for patients to return to play following a concussion, such as a local footy player or netballer who has received a knock to the head.

“This includes balance, memory and cognitive testing and ensuring the patient does not experience recurring symptoms when exercising.”

Dr Higgins also called for a clear definition of concussion.

“We need to know what we are dealing with,” she said.

“There is insufficient evidence to fully understand and determine the long-term impacts of concussion and repeated head trauma and we also need to clarify and standardise the definition of concussion.

“In addition, the development of an Australian-wide concussion registry will provide a valuable source of data to determine the long-term impacts of concussion and repeated head trauma.

“First aiders at sporting venues should have access to specific training about head injury and concussion too, particularly in amateur and social leagues where a qualified healthcare worker is less likely to be there to help.

“Through concerted action we can limit the damage caused by concussion and head trauma in communities across Australia.

“As a GP and a parent of children who loves contact sport, I can tell you that we certainly don’t want kids and adults walking away from contact sport and sitting on the couch, but this must be taken seriously.”

The RACGP’s submission recommends:

• sport governing bodies need to adapt rules of contact sports, where relevant, to prioritise prevention of concussion in the first instance;

• investment for longer general practice consultations for people with concussion, repeated head trauma and other complex care needs;

• standardised, evidence-based clinical guidelines for concussion, repeated head trauma and sub-concussive episodes are prioritised for development;

• specific and consistent requirements are developed, to ensure a uniform approach to returning to sport, and player safety across all sports;

• significant funding is allocated for clinical research into long-term impacts, and for the development of an Australian concussion registry;

• first aid responders at sporting venues have increased training that focuses specifically on treating concussion and head injury;

• the definition of concussion needs to be clarified and standardised.

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