The sequence of violent blows observed during the series which opposed the Montreal Canadian to the capital of Washington demonstrates that things “have not changed much” in the concussion, deplored a neuropsychologist.
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Dr. Dave Ellemberg, who specializes in the study of concussion at the University of Montreal, said that several moments in the series reminded him of the dangerous tackle of the Boston Zdeno Chara Bruins defender in the place of Max Pacioretty in 2011, who had left the Canadian striker inert.
Archives photo, QMI agency
“We were seized, it made a lot of talk. We thought it was to get things done, make things change, but when the time comes, unfortunately, it looks like it no longer counts, “he told Benoît Dutrizac at Qub Radio, on the 99.5 FM Montreal.
No more the same sport without the blows?
Dr. Ellemberg was very critical of the assertion that hockey is no longer the same sport without violence.
“We know that people trip on the soccer, we don’t see that in the soccer. People trip on football, we don’t see that in football that way either, “he said.
The latter pleaded for a tightening of the rules in order to better protect athletes, especially when they are minors.
“I think we must absolutely make political decisions for young people. Parents report to me that there are still low blows, sneaky blows and concussions that are not caused by an accident, “he said.
“We agree that it happens from accidents to sport, it’s correct, we assume it, we accept it, but when it is induced by a game that is not college, this is where I think we have to act as a company, especially when it happens in young minors,” continued Dr. Ellenberg.
Insidious injury
The neuropsychologist recalled that several concussions are not necessarily caused by blows to the head.
“The injury takes place inside the cranial box. […] So what is needed, in the background is that the head does like a pendulum movement, as a pendulum movement. Then that, well, a blow to the chest, a blow to the body that projects the head, which projects the body forward or backward, can cause a concussion, “he said.
Symptoms of a concussion can even appear several weeks after the blow, according to the expert.
“Suddenly, after the series, a few weeks, a month later, [les athlètes vont réaliser]: “To them, ye them lack of Not, I’m dizzy, I have headaches, I have trouble with my sleep. ” And it is at this point that the athlete will bring back his symptoms and that doctors will be able to give a diagnosis, “said the neuropsychologist.
Listen to the full interview in the audio extract above
