Concussion tests are not precise - Neuroscientist

By BIPIN DANI

Australian batsman Will Pucovski made an impressive debut (62) in the third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday.  

However, the 22-year-old batsman, who has a shocking record of nine concussion tests has to think twice on building his career in sports, according to an USA-based neuroscientist, Chris Nowinski, who himself was a professional wrestler.   

“Pulcovski has been cleared to play by a neurologist, so ethically if he wants to play then he should play. But the long-term effects of nine concussions are unclear and could be severe.” 

“The tests we use to clear athletes are not precise, so passing the concussion test does not mean he doesn’t have permanent brain damage.”

“He and the public should understand that multiple concussions can lead to problems later in life with thinking, emotions, and mental health and that the risks likely increase with each additional concussion.” 

“In addition, concussions tend to take longer to recover from with each additional concussion, so the next concussion could lead to years of symptoms.”

“With all that said, we cannot predict what will happen, so as long as he is informed of the risks, he should play and we should hope for the best for him.” 

• Pulcovski has been cleared to play by a neurologist, so ethically if he wants to play then he should play