School rugby and head injuries explained

THE rugby season is kicking off in schools across South Africa and players, parents, coaches and referees are preparing for exciting, yet physically demanding matches. In many sports, injuries are an unfortunate, common occurrence. Rugby, inherently a contact sport, also carries the inevitable tisk of head injuries, ranging from minor concussions to severe Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).

- STAFF REPORTER

The importance of early detection of head injuries is essential for effective treatment and preventing further complications. In many cases, the symptoms of a concussion or TBIs may not be immediately apparent and athletes may continue playing which can lead to further damage.

Accurate diagnosis and management of head injuries require a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced imaging techniques. radiologist at SCP Radiology, Dr Hofmeyr Viljoen, talks about the nature of these injuries, the critical role radiology plays in diagnosing and managing them and what preventative measures can be taken.

Dr Viljoen explained that there are several types of head injuries common in rugby.

‘The most frequent is concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury occurring when the brain is jolted inside the skull from an impact or violent movement. Concussions can be mild or lead to significant short and long-term issues. Occasionally, with more severe injuries we see skull fractures, contusions and haemorrhage surrounding the brain. These require urgent diagnosis and management.’

He emphasises awareness of concussion symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light and difficulty concentrating.‘Immediate recognition is vital. A player with any of these symptoms must be removed from play immediately to prevent further injury.’