Submission to Senate Inquiry on Concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports for Australia’s children and adolescents
Concussion and repeated head trauma are inherently different in developing children compared to adults. The developing brain responds differently to concussion and the prevention of long-term concussion side effects requires child-specific diagnosis, acute management and recovery protocols.
Research on child concussion diagnosis and prevention is advancing rapidly, but the sharing and application of this knowledge are not keeping pace. To ensure that accurate information is accessible to the community, it’s essential to develop a comprehensive strategy that delivers clear and factual messages to those working with children who have concussions, as well as their families. This will help enable safe participation in contact sports and physical activities.
At MCRI, we are in a prime position to understand and implement effective models for infants, children, and adolescents experiencing concussions. Having led the development of clinical guidelines and digital tools, we support parents, coaches, and teachers in managing concussions nationwide.
In collaboration with our partners, the University of Melbourne and The Royal Children’s Hospital, we are strategically positioned to work with policymakers, service providers, patients, and families.
Together we aim to translate evidence-based research into better care for all children.
Submission date: February 2023
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