Achi news desk-
A recent study conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University revealed a link between repetitive head injuries in football and damage to the small blood vessels of the brain.
“We suspect that it continues for a while, which can foster that inflammation effect and changes to the way the brain works,” said Dr Lyna Kaminsky, a postdoctoral fellow at the university and one of the researchers.
Dr. Kaminsky has worked on this research together with Professor Alon Friedman, who led the project, Dr. David Clarke, and Dr. Casey Jones.
The university introduced new high-tech helmets five years ago. The helmets have sensors to measure injuries and detect concussions on the school team. Injured players underwent MRI scans.
The research suggests that it is not just one hard blow to the head that poses a risk; smaller hits can also result in serious damage.
“Years, sometimes even decades after playing, this can include difficulties with memory, thinking clearly and emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse,” says Dr. Jones.
Dr. Casey Jones is a former football player at Dalhousie University and a former coach, and that is what inspired him to research this topic.
“I had one concussion in my career, hip surgery, lots of bumps and bruises along the way,” he said. “I had just started medical school at Dalhousie that year and turned this into my research project as a medical student.”
Gavin Lake, defensive coordinator for the University of Saint Mary’s football team, says he believes a lot has changed over the years with football in Canada.
“There is a strength and conditioning program so we want to make sure the players are healthy and strong to the best of their ability before they even get fit to play the games,” he said.
The study shows that it is not just football; athletes in contact sports are at risk, and researchers suspect hockey is one of them. They believe this could change the recovery period for athletes following injury.
“It allows us to think a little differently about returning to play, but how do we think about what we should check before an athlete is clear to return to play,” said Dr. Kaminsky.
According to Dr. Jones, many high schools and professional football teams in the United States have the concussion detection helmets, but it is not mandated. It is also not a league mandate in Canada.
