In this episode of Talking Healthspan, we dive into the latest findings on concussions in sports, drawn from the 6th International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or healthcare professional, this episode brings essential updates on how to prevent and manage sport-related concussions.

What You’ll Learn:

• What is a Concussion? Discover how concussions occur at the microscopic level in the brain and why they’re so hard to spot on scans.
• New Assessment Tools: We explain the latest updates to concussion diagnosis, including SCAT-6 and SCOAT-6, designed for sideline and clinical evaluation.
• Preventing Concussions: Learn about effective strategies like neuromuscular training, policy changes, and protective equipment that can significantly reduce concussion risks.
• Recovery Approaches: The myth of strict rest is debunked—find out why light physical activity soon after a concussion can actually aid recovery.
• Safe Return to Play and School: Get the latest guidance on safely returning to school and sports through gradual, step-by-step protocols.
• Long-Term Risks: We explore the ongoing research into the possible links between repeated concussions and neurological diseases, like CTE and ALS.

Key Takeaways:

• How relative rest (not total rest) promotes recovery.
• The role of sub-symptom threshold exercise in early recovery.
• Why youth sports are banning body checking and limiting contact to prevent concussions.
• How a multidisciplinary approach can aid in recovery and decision-making for athletes facing repeated head injuries.

Resources:

• Learn more about SCAT-6 and SCOAT-6 tools for concussion assessment.
• Access tips for implementing neuromuscular training to reduce injury risk.

If you or someone you know is involved in sports, this episode provides essential information for protecting brain health and making informed decisions about concussion management.

Suggested reading:

Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport–Amsterdam, October 2022

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/11/695