3:10 Correcting many years of misinformation around concussion recovery
Confusion, headaches, painful reaction to light; over the years, the symptoms associated with concussion haven't changed.
Thousands of New Zealanders, including many kids playing sport, know them too well.
But what is changing is the traditional approach to recovery, telling patients to cocoon in a dark room and avoid activity. That's what science journalist Isobel Whitcomb was told when she was concussed.
Research published over several years suggests that "rest is best" may be counter productive in some cases. She explains this alternative approach in an article for Slate called "How We Got Concussions So Wrong."
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/11/695
https://www.concussioninsportgroup.com/
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/Suppl_1/i76
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/02699050903373477
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2593568
University of Otago researchers are studying rugby players who have experienced multiple bouts of concussion. Photo: 123RF
