A conservative and cautious approach is required for concussion

Force wing Dane Haylett-Pretty is tested for concussion during a Super Rugby match at Westpac Stadium a few years ago. Not just an issue for professional players, concussion affects all ages and all levels of rugby, as described below.

My son, Diggercane junior, was playing rugby last Saturday for his Under 11 team when he was tackled, rolled over to place the ball back on his side and unfortunately copped a boot to the side of his head in the ensuing ruck.

There was no foul play involved, just an unfortunate accident.

He naturally came off and proudly sported a lovely black eye and cut for his troubles.

His Mother and I were naturally concerned that he had suffered concussion and watched him closely over the course of the weekend. There did not seem to be any reasons for concern other than complaints of a headache which was quite understandable.

On Monday morning, as we all rushed to get ourselves ready for a busy day ahead Diggercane junior remarked to us both that he was feeling quite light headed and a bit queasy.

With myself needing to attend a course that day and my partner involved in inescapable morning meetings he was armed with the advice of ‘take it easy today' and sent on his way.

After her meetings my better half ended up thinking about his remarks from that morning and rang the local doctor's office and explained the situation and was promptly told to bring him in for examination which me lady promptly did.

Upon examination it was determined that he had probably suffered a mild concussion and that Panadol was to be had for the headaches but he should be fine to continue going to school but would need to miss rugby this weekend.

Having suffered from concussion myself in the past I was quite surprised at that advice.

I took it upon myself to have the day off on Tuesday to keep the young fella at home and under wraps.

It was also decided that he would be unable to continue playing again this year which for a lad who played reps on Sundays as well was quite upsetting.

It was an uneventful day at home on Tuesday and all seemed well again so it was decided that all should be ok to return to normal on Wednesday.

However, as they say boys will be boys and despite several conversations about not exerting himself, Diggercane junior promptly managed to get himself involved in a wrestling match at school, which he won if you are interested, with the after affects being that he later fell asleep in class, a slumber which his teacher had great difficulty waking him from and once awake, promptly vomited in class, a scary situation.

We were contacted and he was collected and taken to the closest medical centre.

Another examination, after a few hours wait, revealed nothing overly serious and we were instructed that he should be kept away from school for the next week, not to engage in any strenuous physical activities and to be kept off laptops and other such things that can bring concussion symptoms on.

Time and rest was required, easily said than done with an 11 year old with ants in his pants!

As I sit here trying to entertain my son I realise how annoyed I am at myself for despite all of the recent publicity and advancements made with regards to concussion I was still blind to its effects and symptoms and how serious it can be particularly in growing minds.

A conservative and cautious approach should always be taken with regards to head knocks and one must remember that kids don't know how to look after themselves or how to take it easy after suffering from concussion. They need protecting from themselves.

Don't ignore the signs, no meetings or courses are that important. The truth is we don't know nearly enough to make assumptions on the matter.

Fortunately we didn't have to learn the hard way.