In over 60 cases of head collisions at the World Cup 2014, proper concussion assessment protocols were not followed, a new study concluded. Researchers reviewed video footage of 64 matches, identifying 72 head collisions affecting 81 players—far more than the 19 head injuries reported by team physicians to FIFA. The researchers then recorded the number of observable signs of a concussion after each collision. Their findings showed that health care professionals assessed players in only 12 cases of head collisions, and the length of each assessment averaged just 107 seconds. Furthermore, in the 67 cases where players showed two or more signs of concussion, 11 of those players received no assessment and returned to play immediately. Study authors say that an international sporting event like the World Cup should work harder at setting a better example of safe play and proper protocol.
Authors:
Michael D. Cusimano, Julia Casey, Ruiwei Jing, Anamika Mishra, Michael Solarski, Kristina Techar, Shudong Zhang
Corresponding author:
Michael Cusimano, Neurosurgery, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Email: mountain@smh.ca
Original paper published in JAMA on June 27, 2017.
