This conversation brings up a lot for discussion in terms of not just current and retired players of the AFL but society as a whole and how head trauma can be the catalyst of the downward spiral in mental health.
Peter and I also discuss how head trauma might affect children as young as 6 years of age, who are playing impact sports that result in head trauma.
All of these have wide implications how we look at and treat mental health and often the extension of that, domestic violence.
To say this is an important conversation is a gross understatement.
In this episode we discuss:
· Neurological impairment as a result of brain trauma
· The four pillars by which we measure brain impairment
· The concussion rule in the AFL
· Women playing AFL
· Children and brain trauma
As a parent and grandparent, and an avid supporter of AFL this conversation has left me questioning if I have truly evaluated the risk versus rewards of contact sport. And as Peter says, are we treating the brain with the respect we should, when we have three weeks off with a hamstring injury and just 12 days for a brain injury?
Show Notes:
1.28 – When Peter’s career of managing AFL players began
4.38 – Managing negotiations of Nicky Winmar’s contract
7.23 – Concussion rules in the AFL
8.17 – The four pillars by which to measure brain trauma – mood, behaviour, cognition and motor skills
9.07 – Neurological impairment
9.43 – Staggering statistics in former AFL players who are showing symptoms of brain trauma, including structural damage
12.01 – Dylan Grimes and does delayed concussion exist
14.44 – Primary testing prior to playing AFL
18.44 – Danny Frawley and Shane Tuck
19.46 – CTE and how it is diagnosed
22.23 – Shaun Smith’s record payout and the Bradford Hill causation paradigm
25.00 – Children playing AFL and the research of Vicky Anderson into children’s brain trauma
26.40 - Prevention and mitigation strategies
28.06 - Nick Riewoldt’s comments in regard to players being able to make their own decision on playing after a concussion
30.09 – Player education on brain trauma
29.45 – Insurance policies not being fit for purpose
32.26 – Women in AFL – the dose rate of brain trauma as a result of concussion is lower in women than in men – Jacinda Barclay
33.30 – Maggie Varcoe
37.40 – How do we make the game of AFL safe?
You can find Peter here:
https://www.pjaaccountants.com.au
You can find Tanya here:
www.integritychiropractic.com.au
Instagram: rawheartandsoul