CONCUSSION IN HOCKEY: THERE IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Abstract

2050 Head injuries suffered by athletes in full contact sports have been the focus of increasing attention from medical personnel and training staff responsible for the care of these athletes. According to Roberts (1992), the greatest risk to athletes occurs when a player sustains a second head injury before the symptoms of a previous concussion have cleared. Unfortunately, little data is available with respect to the first concussion, the recovery period, and subsequent concussions. The focus of the current research project is the development of methods for assessing the degree of impairment of the central nervous system that results in deficits of motor coordination and decreased motor stability following a mild head injury. Phase one involved the administration of a survey in which demographic information, head injury history and current symptoms of hockey players were investigated. A total of 262 players ranging in age from 16 to 20 years from 14 teams in the British Columbia Hockey League comprised the target group. The survey administrators remained present while the questionnaire was completed to clarify or answer any questions that arose. The survey included questions pertaining to: basic personal information such as height and weight; hockey history including position of play and years of play; head injury history including number received, cause, and treatment; and current symptoms such as headaches, depression, and light sensitivity. In total 160 or 61.1% of players reported a history of at least one concussion. The results indicate 35.5%, 19.1%, and 6.49% have a history of one, two, and three or more concussions respectively. The survey results also indicate that 62.6% of forwards and 37.4% of defensive players reported a history of head injuries. In spite of this high rate of concussion in hockey the majority of players remain symptom free. An analysis based on the demographic data will be presented as well as an analysis of factors predisposing hockey players to mild head injury. Supported by The B.C. Rick Hansen Neurotrauma Initiative.