Whether in PE lessons, in the school playground or during after-school care: head injuries can occur anywhere in everyday school life. A research team from the Institute of Sports Medicine at Paderborn University is therefore investigating, in collaboration with the North Rhine-Westphalia Accident Insurance Fund and in cooperation with the Detmold District Government, the incidence and consequences of ‘concussions’ – often referred to simply as brain shakes – in a school setting within the Paderborn district. To mark ‘Concussion Awareness Day’, which falls on 18 September this year, the project team is drawing attention to its current study.
An invisible risk
A concussion is the mildest form of a mild traumatic brain injury. It can be caused, for example, by falls, collisions or blows to the head. Even though the injury often appears unremarkable at first glance, it can have short- and medium-term effects on many bodily functions. Appropriate management – for example, when returning to everyday life, school and sport – is particularly important for a full recovery without lasting effects.
“A concussion is usually not immediately apparent, but it can have a significant impact on everyday life. This makes it all the more important that teachers, parents and pupils recognise the injury and know how to ensure a safe return to school and sport. With ‘concussion@school’ at our Paderborn site, we aim to establish a scientific basis for this and improve the way concussions are managed in schools across the region,” explains Prof. Dr Dr Claus Reinsberger, Head of the Institute of Sports Medicine at Paderborn University
Study participants wanted
Through a study, the research group first aims to find out more about how frequently concussions occur in school settings, under what circumstances they arise and what consequences they have for the pupils affected. The aim is to improve the long-term management and care of the injury – particularly regarding the return to school and sport. The findings are also intended to help develop appropriate strategies for managing traumatic brain injuries in schools and to prevent potential long-term damage.
A key component is the systematic recording of school-related concussions across all schools in the Paderborn district. Questionnaires are being used to collect information on, amongst other things, the frequency, causes and mechanisms of injury, as well as medical care. In addition, the effects of the injury are being investigated. All pupils diagnosed with a concussion are eligible to participate in the study – from primary schools through secondary schools to vocational colleges. Those interested can find further information and registration details at: go.upb.de/concussionatschool
Raising awareness of concussions
In addition to the scientific research, the project leaders are keen to raise awareness of concussions and to translate scientific findings into school practice. In collaboration with the brain@sports Foundation, plans include providing information at specialist conferences and school sports competitions, as well as organising further training sessions for teachers. Furthermore, the aim is to integrate the management of concussions more firmly into the training of sports first-aiders and the school first-aid service. A leaflet containing practical information and specific recommendations for action in the event of concussions in a school setting is due to be published shortly, to provide teachers with concrete guidance on how to support affected pupils.
This text was translated automatically.
