Understanding the Signs, Symptoms, Risks, and Mechanism of Injury
In the high-impact world of rugby, concussions are an all-too-common occurrence. A recent example highlighting this issue is Joseph Suaalii, the rising star of Australian rugby, who was knocked out during an attempted tackle in a super rugby match over the weekend. This incident shone a spotlight on how rugby handles head injuries—both on and off the field as well as how the Wallabies will manage this with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or a hit to the body that causes the head to rapidly accelerate followed by deceleration. This sudden movement can lead to chemical changes in the brain and sometimes damage brain cells.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
In Suaalii’s case, after the contact incident, medical staff assessed him and removed him from the field of play. There are several signs that commonly suggest concussion. These can appear immediately or develop over time and include:
- Physical symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances (like blurred vision), balance problems.
- Cognitive issues: Confusion, slowed reaction times, feeling “foggy” or groggy, difficulty concentrating or remembering.
- Emotional signs: Irritability, sadness, nervousness or mood swings.
- Sleep disturbances: Drowsiness, sleeping more or less than usual, difficulty falling asleep.
Players like Suaalii who stay down after a head knock are immediately assessed using the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocol to detect these signs. This is a multi-stage process used to identify, diagnose and manage potential concussions with includes the use on off-field screening tools, video review and clinical evaluation.
Risk Factors for Concussion in Rugby
Certain conditions make a player more vulnerable to concussion, such as:
- Playing position: Backs and loose forwards who often engage in high-speed collisions are at higher risk.
- Previous concussions: A history of concussion increases the likelihood of subsequent injuries.
- Tackling technique: Poor technique increases the chance of head contact.
- Fatigue: Tired players are more likely to make positioning and judgment errors.
- Game intensity: High-stakes, fast-paced games often have more forceful collisions.
In Suaalii’s case, his attempt to tackle at full pace with poor timing and positioning led to direct head contact with his teammates knee.
Mechanism of Injury in Suaalii’s Case
Joseph Suaalii was involved in a head knock during a tackle attempt. This mechanism is common in rugby and typically involves:
- Direct impact to the head from another player’s body (shoulder, head, or knee)
- Whiplash effect, where the head moves rapidly after a shoulder or chest contact
- Rotational forces, which are more likely to cause severe brain injury than linear impacts
Suaalii’s incident showed why tackle technique and timing are crucial in preventing such injuries—not only for the tackler but also for the tackled player. Stay tuned for next week as we dive into the protocols in place to manage concussions. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss falls return to sport and have a comprehensive assessment with one of our physiotherapists, feel free to book online or call us on 039885457.