Concussion is never benign

Research is showing that people who have received repeated head knocks are more at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions. Unfortunately, many of those affected are elite athletes, especially those involved in contact sports.

Players used to laugh off a moment of loss of consciousness during a footy match, and rush back into the fray to demonstrate strength of character and team spirit. While the intention was worthy, the practical effect of it wasn’t healthy for their brains. You can read more about one man’s experience here.

An impressive piece of research was conducted in Scotland, looking at the medical histories and death certificates of male Scottish rugby players and comparing this with other Scotsmen of the same age and background. It showed that rugby players were twice as likely to develop dementia. Worse, they were three times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease and - even more frightening - fifteen (yes 15) times more at risk of motor neurone disease.

If you have a family member involved in contact sport, it is worth asking them to speak with coaches and medical support about increasing head safety. It can be done.

If you’ve had a history of head injuries and concussions, then take heart, because using transcranial lights will help. Red and near infrared light will improve the function of cells that are still struggling with the aftermath of physical injuries to the head, even if they happened decades ago.

Using the Well Red Duo Coronet on a twice daily basis will slow the progression of degeneration. It won’t undo all the damage, but it will make a difference.

Here’s a link to the original article about Scottish rugby players.

Thanks to David Clode on Unsplash for the wonderful photograph of turtles, who have their own highly-effective in-built head protection. They also have a very smart uniform…