Concussion damage ‘lasts years’
Reasearch shows it can take up to four years to heal after a head knock, writes Hannah Martin.
It’s been more than 10 years since Steve Devine quit rugby after one head knock too many, but his left pupil still doesn’t dilate.
The now 41-year-old former All Black and Blues halfback suffered repeated concussions throughout his decade-long career.
For a long time he didn’t suffer any symptoms. But then he took a few big hits in a row, blows so severe he wouldn’t know where he was and couldn’t stand up.
He took close to a year off rugby, only to be hit again.
‘‘That was the end of me,’’ Devine said.
He quit on medical advice in
2007.
‘‘Absolute fatigue’’ saw him fall asleep in his car, or slumped in the hallway. He couldn’t stand bright lights and would get headaches.
‘‘I knew something wasn’t quite right.’’
But the after-effects from his concussions didn’t stop when he did: Devine suffered around four migraines a week for 21⁄2 years.
New research has shown even mild knocks to the head can affect functioning for up to four years.
A first-time study from AUT, the University of Auckland and Waikato University on the long-term impact of a mild-TBI (traumatic brain injury, including concussion) found that four years after sustaining these injuries, victims had significantly increased cognitive symptoms including forgetfulness, poor concentration and taking longer to think.
Researchers have only recently become aware that problems can persist long after initial concussion symptoms pass, said lead researcher Dr Alice Theadom of AUT’s National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience.
‘‘Many people go on unaware the symptoms they’re seeing are from an injury from a long time ago,’’ she said.
The research, published this week in PLOS-ONE, looked at 232 people who suffered mild brain injuries in 2010.
According to ACC’s national guidelines on concussion, around 35,000 New Zealanders suffer head injuries each year.
Theadom found that while many recovered well within weeks, a significant proportion were still struggling 12 months later.
‘‘What became apparent was these injuries that were classified as mild were having impacts that weren’t necessarily mild,’’ she said.
Four years on, many reported issues with memory and concentration when compared with a control group matched for age.
They also experienced reduced community participation in terms of productivity, social relations and getting ‘‘out and about’’.
Participants ranged in age from 12 years (at time of injury) into their late 80s.
Some were injured playing sports, others at work, in car accidents, after tripping or falling, or after an assault.
The resounding finding was that the outlook was better for those who were treated quickly, Theadom said.
Of the 232 participants, only six received active treatment after their injury.
‘‘When an injury is perceived to be mild, many people may not realise they should seek medical help and they struggle along by themselves,’’ Theadom said.
Her advice is to seek treatment if symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days – it could make all the difference.
Today Devine is fit and healthy, working as a fireman in Auckland.
Concerned what long-term effects his concussions would have on his future, he was tested for cognitive function two years ago and passed with ‘‘flying colours’’.
‘‘I struggled for years, but had some treatment and things have gotten better and better.
‘‘I’m back to being as good as I’ve ever been.’’