News Release

23 September 2014

The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (FSEM) UK has hosted a meeting to discuss the need for consensus in the prevention, assessment and management of concussion in the UK. Concussion is common and can have major implications on quality of life if not recognised early.

Key influencers and brain injury experts attended the meeting, including representatives from the Medical Royal Colleges and National Governing Bodies of sport.

The overwhelming view of delegates present at the meeting was a common desire to progress the development of consensus as to how sport, health and education bodies in the UK can deliver best practice.

Delegates recognised the work currently being done by multiple governments and key agencies in this area, but felt that greater formal collaboration between the Medical Royal Colleges would facilitate the process.

The following work streams were identified as priority areas:

An updated consensus statement on the prevention, assessment and management of concussion in the United Kingdom

The development and dissemination of generic concussion guidance for sports and the education sector, in collaboration with groups and agencies currently working in this area

The development of dissemination of appropriate guidance and educational resources for the primary care physician and NHS Emergency Department practitioners

Input into the planning of care pathways for concussion and mild traumatic brain injury

Consideration of a Cochrane review

The group would like to see consistent best practice, recognition, management guidelines and care pathways adopted from ground level up, across all sectors and by all health and allied professional groups, where concussion is encountered. They also recognised the need for a NICE guideline specifically on concussion.

Dr Roderick Jaques, President of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine, comments: “Concussion is recognised to be one of the most challenging of injuries to diagnose assess and manage. Care pathways from concussion to return to play, school, work and every day life are not always easily accessible or understood in the UK.

“I am pleased to say that a broad consensus was established between all the participants of the meeting on the key issues of a medically complex area and we are in a position to take forward the development of a much needed consensus on the management of concussion.”

Dr Simon Kemp, Hon. Secretary of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine and Chief Medical Officer for the RFU, comments; “Individual sporting bodies recognise the work that they need to do on concussion, however we need to move towards a cross-sports consensus on the recognition and management of concussion with consistency across all sporting bodies and in conjunction with education and healthcare systems.”

Dr Christine Haseler, representing the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), comments: “The RCGP is interested in developing a consensus on the recognition and management of concussion with the group. Out of which, we would like to see a concussion education resource for GPs, which can be applied to the general public as well as those participating in sport.”

Dr Clifford Mann, President of the College of Emergency Medicine (CEM), comments: “One emergency department alone can see upwards of a dozen cases of concussion a week, most of whom are adolescents. There currently exists a large number of differing guidelines out there. Common guidelines, which can be applied across both healthcare and education sectors, are much needed. I am pleased to see that there is already consensus on the need for common guidelines from the meeting attendees and, as this gains momentum, we hope that other key organisations will sign-up.”

Dr Anna-Louise Mackinnon, Jockeys Medical Adviser to the Professional Jockeys Association and Injured Jockeys Fund, comments: “In racing we see more episodes of concussion than in most other sports and we would welcome generic concussion guidelines for UK sport to be used alongside the current British Horseracing Authority Concussion Management Protocol. Consistent advice across all sports, both recreational and professional, is vital to the optimal management of concussion. The development of educational resources available to all those working at the grass roots level will be of great benefit.”

Dr Ian Beasley, Chair of the FA’s Medical Committee and Doctor to the England Men’s Senior Football Team, comments: The advice of medical professionals is key when it comes to the recognition and management of concussion. Whilst sporting bodies have developed processes to deal with many types of injury, including concussion, this is an area that is in need of a set of common guidelines which can be applied across a broad range of sports. All managers, leaders, teachers, players and clubs need to understand the risks associated with head injuries and be equipped with the correct knowledge.”

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