The sixth international conference on concussion in sport has published its consensus statement. The group of research scientists that make up the Concussion In Sport Group (CISG) have reviewed published research on concussion and brain health leading to their collective statement. The Statement is important as it plays a key part in shaping how sport’s governing bodies approach concussion policies and protocols.
Here we give our reaction to key elements.
The relationship between head impacts and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Headway notes that CISG has evolved its position on the long-term implications of repeated blows to the head. In its statement, the CISG says: ‘It is reasonable to consider extensive exposure to repetitive head impacts, such as that experienced by some professional athletes, as potentially associated with the development of the specific neuropathology described as CTE-NC.’
This is an improvement on previous consensus statements that downplayed the established link, though we are disappointed with the overly cautious tone that continues to stop short of backing the growing body of evidence that shows a causal link to CTE and degenerative neurological conditions.
Luke Griggs, Chief Executive of Headway UK says “We have previously and repeatedly raised concerns regarding the CISG’s refusal to definitively acknowledge a causal relationship between repeated blows to the head and a greater susceptibility to degenerative neurological conditions such as CTE.
“Suggesting it is ‘reasonable to consider’ a ‘potential association’ simply does not go far enough, particularly when considering that the US National Institutes of Health has formally accepted such a causal link.
“Taking such a cautious approach is likely to lead to further questions over the influence the CISG has on professional sports, some of which are currently involved in legal challenges from former players now living with degenerative neurological conditions.”
Pitch side concussion assessment:
The group suggests that an effective assessment for potential concussion typically takes ten to fifteen minutes.
The document states: ‘Sport organisations are strongly advised to allow for at least that amount of time for an adequate evaluation and to accommodate such an assessment off-field, preferably in a quiet area away from the pressures and scrutiny of match play.’
Headway is pleased to see such an unequivocal recommendation which gives further credence to our long-standing calls for football to finally listen and act when it comes to introducing temporary concussion substitutes to facilitate an off-field assessment.
The list of campaigners and organisations supporting this call grows ever longer with players unions, leagues and, finally, the CISG calling for this change.
On a new working group to consider the evidence of sports concussion and brain health:
The group has proposed ‘the formation of an interdisciplinary working group, including members of CISG, as well as other clinicians, scholars and scientists, to continue deliberations on these topics in the interest of athlete care.’
Headway would welcome such a working group as the research on concussion in sport is evolving and delays in adapting concussion protocols in sport can have serious life changing consequences for participants.
Headway strongly believes that such a working group should be truly independent with freedom to recommend changes based on optimum athlete care and free from potential influence, or the perception of such, from governing bodies.
The full consensus statement is published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
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