By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The news was surprising to many. Despite changes to the rules of hockey regarding bodychecking to the head, the change of rules did not reduce the number of concussions incurred by players of the National Hockey League. In fact, there was actually an increase in the number of concussions or concussion-like head injuries.
Sixty-four percent of concussions were caused by body-checking and 28% were caused by illegal incidents. But this should not be surprising. Many concussions, in fact most concussions, are the result of the brain being jostled inside of the skull and this can occur with contact to other parts of the body.
Now you might be asking why there is an incraese in the number of concussions? It is probably awareness of the fact that concussions occur and looking at symptoms and recognizing that treatment is necessary.
The advantage is there’s an awareness of symptoms and players are being taken out of action before more damage can occur.