Attitudes to concussion in young New Zealand men

Sixty-three men aged 17 to 48 who had been concussed were asked 90 days later if it had affected them, if they knew of others who had been affected, and if they would take action to prevent further injury. Twenty percent still had symptoms, mostly impairment of intellectual function. Sixty percent expressed concern about the injury, though only 19 percent intended realistic measures to prevent recurrence, such as giving up football or selling their motorcycle. Concern was commoner after sports than road accidents. Sixty percent had friends who had been concussed, and a third of these had given up sport because of the effects. It is concluded that there is considerable awareness, particularly amongst sportsmen, of the effects of concussion, and that sports administrators would find considerable support for rules to reduce the risk of brain damage from repeated concussion.