Sport Concussion - discussion
-20 May 2010

DCU is hosting an evening to discuss sports concussion, including the establishment of guidelines for the prevention of on-field incidents. Medical personnel from National Govening Bodies of Sport (FA, GAA, Turf Club, IABA and IRFU) will attend.

The speakers are:
Prof Mike Ferrara, Director of St Mary's Athletic Training Research, University of Georgia, USA
Prof Tim Lynch, Director of the Dublin Neurological Institute, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Stephen Mutch, MSc, Head Physiotherapist, Scottish Rugby Team
Dr Niall Pender, Neuropsychologist, Head of the Department of Psychology, Beaumont Hospital

The evening will include discussions on:
Are concussion injuries on the increase?
What are the requirements of the Governing Bodies of Sport in terms of medical personnel being present at sporting events?
Is there pressure on medical personnel to allow players to resume play after being concussed?
Should coaches and players receive mandatory education on the short-term and possible long-term negative effects of concussion?
Is having experienced one traumatic brain injury a risk factor for having a second injury?
Does it increase a risk of developing Alzheimer's disease?
Should the term concussion be replaced with 'mild traumatic brain injury'