Visibility is key for brain trauma issue

By Lethbridge Herald on February 7, 2025.

Editor,

I have been involved with the initiatives of the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) (https://concussionfoundation.ca/) and the Mac Parkman Foundation (https://www.mpfact.com/), championing their essential mission to enhance public understanding of brain trauma and injury, particularly Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and strategies for its prevention. The efforts to promote brain safety awareness are of utmost importance, and I take great pride in playing a role in their significant outreach and educational campaigns.

Both organizations, along with others who make available the same impressive messaging, deserve high praise for their courses of action, especially in confronting the grave repercussions of overlooking the reality that brain trauma, particularly in youth sports, can cause substantial cognitive damage immediately and steadily throughout life. The recognition of the dangers posed by non-concussive impacts during athletic pursuits amid practices and competition, is especially noteworthy. It highlights that it is not just the single, severe force that results in a violent concussed state, but also a cumulative effect of multiple, seemingly minor impacts over time that can be just as, if not more, detrimental, even with the wearing of a helmet. This nuanced understanding is crucial in raising awareness and promoting better safety measures.

The relentless safety advocacy of the CLF is gaining prominence with the National Football League, leading to meaningful change that prioritizes player safety. This season saw a transformative approach as the league implemented a new rule designed to mitigate brain trauma, particularly by altering player formations during kickoffs to reduce the risk of high-speed collisions. This proactive shift is not only a testament to the importance of safety in sports but also demonstrates that such changes can supplement the game without compromising its integrity for players and fans alike. It is an example that other sports organizations need to emulate, proving that a strong tone of voice can drive essential reforms in the pursuit of a safer athletic environment.

I recently participated in a compelling webinar hosted by the Mac Parkman Foundation, which highlighted the critical need for more direct and assertive language about safety in youth sports, among other items. I suggested that our messaging should be as stark and clear as the warnings found on cigarette packages, a notion that struck a chord with many attendees. The language used in registration forms for sports that involve head impacts and collisions needs to shift; rather than merely hinting that injuries “may” happen, we should be forthright in stating that injuries “will” occur if we do not prioritize athlete safety. The alarming rate of brain trauma and the devastating after effects on families must not be overlooked, and we cannot afford to rely solely on hope to prevent these incidents. Another participant on the webinar pointed out that while baseball has pitch counts to safeguard pitchers\’ arms, there are no similar measures comparable to tackle counts or stringent helmet contact limits in various statuses of football, underscoring the urgent need for reform in how safety is governed.

My father\’s recent hospitalization highlighted the profound impact that aging can have on the brain, particularly in relation to dementia, which manifests in various challenges such as memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and behavioural changes. This condition is not static; it is progressive and deteriorates with time. The thought of a brain that has endured trauma during childhood and adult life, compounded by the inevitable decline associated with aging, is deeply troubling and warrants serious consideration.

Last year, I dedicated some time crafting a children’s story titled, Twinkles McGillicuddy Woodpecker’s Tenacious Tapping Takes A Toll. My aspiration is to collaborate with an organization to bring this story to life as a book, complete with engaging illustrations, making it accessible in libraries and bookstores. The important safety message woven into the narrative deserves to be shared widely, ensuring that it resonates with readers, especially young readers, and their families.

In addition to this, Bill C-277 (https://braininjurycanada.ca/en/bill-c-277/) garnered significant support during its Second Reading in the House of Commons on June 12, 2024. After this pivotal moment, the bill moved forward to the Committee Stage at the Standing Committee on Health, where it returned to the House on October 28, 2024, with only a few minor adjustments. Regrettably, it now faces a frustrating period of legislative inaction, hindering its potential progress. The significance of Bill C-277 cannot be overstated; it is vital that this legislation is enacted, irrespective of the political party in power.

ne of the most significant hurdles in addressing brain injury and the effects of trauma to the brain is that it remains an unseen affliction. This invisibility complicates diagnosis and treatment, as the effects may not be immediately apparent, yet they can profoundly impact a person\’s life. Acknowledging the gravity of this concealed injury, along with advocating for preventive strategies, is essential for cultivating awareness, comprehension, and support for those affected, ultimately leading to better care and recovery strategies.

Mick Pariseau

Lethbridge