‘Tackling’ Head Injuries – The Long-Term Cost Of Concussion

After Aston Villa’s John McGinn was subbed off over concussion concerns after receiving two blows to the head in Saturday’s Premier League match against Everton, we consider the dangers of concussion and whether footballers are entitled to claim after an injury. It comes after new guidance on heading in training was introduced at the start of the 2021/22 season, with all professional, amateur and grassroots clubs involved, as governing bodies try to address the risk of brain injuries in the sport.

The issue of concussion in sport has been hotly debated over recent years. The links between heading a football and degenerative brain disease have even forced rule changes at youth level.

Last year, the FA issued new guidelines banning children aged 11 and under from heading in football training in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The new guidance for coaches also puts limits on how much heading older children should do.

New heading guidance for the 2021/22 season

Now, the new advice – agreed by the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, Professional Footballers Associated and League Managers Association – will not affect the rules of games, but instead, will be centred on how heading is practised in training.

While injuries are something that comes with the profession as an athlete, when it comes to head injuries such as concussions, being aware of the risks is crucial in order to take the necessary precautions and prevent complications down the line.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain that temporarily affects how it functions. It occurs because of an impact to the head and can cause:

• Dizziness
• Nausea or sickness
• Confusion, or trouble processing or keeping hold of information
• Sensitivity to light
• Distorted eyesight
• Loss of consciousness

How is a concussion detected?

Identifying whether someone has a concussion can be tricky, mostly because symptoms can often develop and worsen over time.

There’s also the danger of what’s known as “second-impact” syndrome, which occurs when the brain swells rapidly after a person suffers a second concussion before symptoms from an earlier one have subsided, risking long-term damage.

That’s why when it comes to sport, if there is any doubt, a player shouldn’t continue on the pitch until they are fully assessed and, if required, treated.

What response is required if a concussion-related injury is suspected within football?

Medical advice isn’t always needed, but it is best to remain cautious if you are concerned about a player’s wellbeing.

NHS guidelines suggest that if someone has mild symptoms that don’t last long after the injury, recovery at home should usually suffice. Use an ice pack regularly for short periods in the first few days to bring down any swelling, rest and avoid stress, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain. Sports or strenuous exercise should also be avoided for at least a week, and contact sports avoided for at least three weeks.

The player should be taken to their nearest A&E department if:

• They have woken up after being knocked out;
• Are having problems with memory or suffering from a headache that doesn’t go away;
• Have been vomiting since the injury;
• Have had an operation on the brain in the past; or
• They are taking blood-thinning medicine.

Call 999 for an ambulance if someone has injured their head and has more severe symptoms – for example, they haven’t woken up after being knocked out, are having difficulty staying awake, problems with their vision, numbness or weakness in their body, or having a seizure.

Am I entitled to compensation if I’ve had a concussion-related injury?

Generally, when playing football, you’re doing so being fully aware of the risks. However, injuries, including blows to the head, can have life-altering consequences for players.

If you’ve been involved in an incident that wasn’t your fault and it’s caused a concussion-related injury, you may be entitled to claim compensation, which can help with medical bills and lost wages.

To make a claim, you must provide proof that:

• There was a reckless disregard for your safety and well-being
• There was a deliberate intention to injure you
• Your injury was worsened by poor protocols/practices for assessment, treatment, removal from the pitch, and care.