ECB Coaches Association links Inside Edge 6 May 2018

32 THE EXPERT’S VIEW 33 THE EXPERT’S VIEW DR GURJIT BHOGAL Dr Gurjit Bhogal is a consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine, and is on the ECB’s medical panel. He outlines what coaches should be aware of when a player receives a blow to the head. R E C OG N I S E A N D R E M OV E The player who is concussed is not ‘knocked out’ most of the time, but may seem slightly off-kilter. Concussion symptoms and signs can be vague, so it can therefore be difficult to recognise a concussion. Some of the things to look out for are listed in Table 1. Coaches, and umpires, have a crucial role in trying to identify these symptoms and signs, especially if no qualified healthcare practitioners are present. The expert’s view… Concussion awareness is increasing in all sports at recreational and professional levels. Cricket is no different. Concussion is a complex and potentially significant brain injury that should be taken seriously. The cricket ball is the same density as a snooker ball, so a direct blow to the head will be significant and can cause brain injury. Short pitched bowling, fielding close to the bat and wicket-keeping standing up to the stumps are all situations where a head injury is more likely to occur, despite rule changes like helmet regulations. TA B L E 1 SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY PLAYER: — Headache — Nausea or vomiting — Dizziness or blurred vision — Concentration or memory problems — Just not ‘feeling right’ SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHES: — Appears dazed or stunned — Moves clumsily — Is unsure of match, opponent or result — Forgets an instruction Dr Gurjit Bhogal Consultant in Sports and Exercise Medicine — Loses consciousness — Shows mood, behaviour or personality changes — Answers questions slowly — Can’t recall events after hit or fall CONTINUE

ECB Coaches Association links Inside Edge 6 May 2018 | Page 34