Deakin Webinar: Important online presentation about concussion in contact sports

International concern over evidence of brain damage caused by concussions in contact sport has prompted Deakin University neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce to host an online presentation about the risks and latest research for athletes and sports lovers.

The Deputy Director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Unit in Deakin's School of Psychology, Dr Pearce tested dual Brownlow Medal winner Greg Williams, revealing symptoms of a degenerative brain disease.

Williams is among a growing number of sports stars and amateurs who have revealed life-long health ramifications including neurological damage following head injuries during careers on the field.

Dr Pearce has investigated the brain function of 40 retired Aussie rules footballers who had all suffered two or more serious concussion incidents and found that serious concussions suffered in sport can have long-term impacts and leave lasting brain damage.

"Sports concussion is a brain injury that can lead to neurological damage, resulting in impaired memory, reflexes and muscle coordination,'' Dr Pearce said.

Keen for people to enjoy the many health benefits of sport, Dr Pearce will canvass findings from the latest research into the impact of concussion in contact sports at all levels of competition.

Studies to date have identified victims of sports-related head injuries suffer a loss in fine motor control and changes in brain activity that can have an impact in their everyday lives, irrespective of whether they were professional or amateur athletes.

Internationally renowned for his research work in to concussion and brain injury, Dr Pearce said the lasting symptoms from a serious knock to the head can have serious consequences throughout an athlete's life.

"There are important messages for athletes at every level and every age who suffer concussion but for whom symptoms may not appear for decades after the incident,'' Dr Pearce said.

"There are also lessons for sports administrators about how to deal with people who are injured during play.''

The AFL has joined other major sporting organisations around the world to rewrite concussion management guidelines in the wake of new evidence about the lasting impacts of head injuries.

Any sportsperson may be at risk of concussion, with boxing, horse racing, roller sports, rugby and soccer among some of the riskier pursuits.

Dr Pearce will host an online webinar – Head bumps matter; sports concussion injuries – on Wednesday, September 24, from 12.20-1.30pm.

He encouraged community sporting groups, schools and coaches to tune in to hear the latest research on concussion injuries. Sports lovers can tune in live or watch later. To register to watch the webinar, see: http://www.deakin.edu.au/alumni/alumni-events-and-webinars/webinar-head-bumps-matter-understanding-changes-in-the-brain-following-sports-concussion-injuries