Management of concussion in disability sport: a different ball game?

Concussion management in sport is a serious medical issue. Frequent high-profile incidents coupled with ongoing debate and research surrounding the definition, diagnosis and management of concussion mean that it is likely to remain a hot topic.1 Internationally, concussion has become a key focus for many sporting governing bodies, with a range of educational campaigns aimed at improving recognition and management.2 Football is the world's most popular global sport, and appropriately many disability football leagues have been developed to provide competitive opportunities for those individuals with disability wishing to compete outside ‘mainstream’ football. Adapted versions of football for athletes with major disabilities including learning disability; visual impairment; cerebral palsy/acquired brain injury; hearing impairment and amputation are all in existence. There has been a suggestion of an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury and head injury from participation, including concussion.3 However, at present the rates of and best-practice assessment and management for concussion …