Heading towards safety in sports

At this cold time of year, when frozen rinks and covered ski slopes beckon young and old alike to come out and play, it’s vital to remember to protect the head, as with any contact sport.

A Canadian study a few years ago found that concussions were occurring among junior hockey players at a rate 3.3 times higher than previously reported. Today, the high incidence of concussions in sports and the risk of traumatic brain injury continue to be a major cause for concern.

“Kids need to be responsible for their own brains,” said Dr. Angela Genge, Medical Director of the ALS clinic at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (MNI), in a recent interview with the Montreal Gazette. Once someone has suffered a sport injury, the likeliness for a repeated concussion is increased, along with the damage it could cause.

Genge, along with Dr. Alain Ptito, neuropsychologist at the MNI, discussed the serious dangers of concussions and the research being done on sports-related concussions at the MNI.

A Canadian study a few years ago found that concussions were occurring among junior hockey players at a rate 3.3 times higher than previously reported. Today, the high incidence of concussions in sports and the risk of traumatic brain injury continue to be a major cause for concern.

“Kids need to be responsible for their own brains,” said Dr. Angela Genge, Medical Director of the ALS clinic at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (MNI), in a recent interview with the Montreal Gazette. Once someone has suffered a sport injury, the likeliness for a repeated concussion is increased, along with the damage it could cause.

Genge, along with Dr. Alain Ptito, neuropsychologist at the MNI, discussed the serious dangers of concussions and the research being done on sports-related concussions at the MNI.