Concussions, informed consent, and CTE

[Thorsteinn]

Diglach Mac Cein just left this message on the Armor Archive, we should all read it-

"Well, two weeks ago my fighting career was ended due to the effects of concussions.

Now, to be clear - I played a LOT of impact sports beyond SCA. So it isn't just SCA that caused it. But is was a factor.

My doctor was VERY clear. symptoms I have (severe aphasia - my speech has degraded to the point where I am beginning to rely on ASL with my family, and may end up needing to use a type to speech on a tablet, or write out conversations - memory issues, some vertigo, tremors in my hands, I drop things, negative impact on my bi-polar disorder, etc.) will likely continue to get worse. Continuing to fight would make that a certainty, and accelerate the process. I would also probably develop more problems.

He started testing me for this 5 years ago, and tested every year to monitor it. He is a sports specialist - working as a team physician for Ohio State football, rugby, hockey and wrestling teams. He is also the doctor for NFL, NHL, and MMA athletes. So he knows what he is talking about. He also brought in a neurologist who works with sports injuries.

I told him I wanted to fight as long as I could safely do so. And I hid or minimized most of the effect for as long as I could - before I always assumed it was just "me".

I wore a heavy helm, padded with military spec anti-concussion / impact pads - a double set, with brow pad. But I also played "hurt" - a lot. I was the guy who got knocked backward with a face thrust and banged my head against a tree hard enough to brown out, finish the battle then go to camp and take asprin - and fight the next day with a headache.

I now forbid my squires from using any padding other than that specifically made for impact sports, or a proper period lining.,

Don't be me."

Concussions and CTE on the Armor Archive

[Sir Rodney]

I shared a bit on Llyod's AA thread a while back (2+ years).

Lloyd’s thread got me thinking several months ago. I was experiencing some symptoms mentioned above, and they weren’t getting better on their own.

I finally went to see my doctor – a few times. My relief was great when I learned that I didn’t have damage from 2+ concussions, 11 years of football, or 20 years of rattan fighting. Three separate issues were identified; the worst being a damaged and inflamed greater occipital nerve. While not a minor problem, it’s better than the alternative.

The moral of my story is this: Man-up and go to the doctor if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this thread.

Thank you Lloyd.

[Joshua Santana]

Wow, you have quite hardiness Thorstein.  I agree in that we need to sharpen our individual prowess whether it be in the SCA or the HEMA community.  However one must never neglect health and if we need to stop training so as to let the body recover, do so, I also can speak from experience when I used to train while still feeling sick.

[Thorsteinn]

Wow, you have quite hardiness Thorstein.  I agree in that we need to sharpen our individual prowess whether it be in the SCA or the HEMA community.  However one must never neglect health and if we need to stop training so as to let the body recover, do so, I also can speak from experience when I used to train while still feeling sick.

Wasn't me, I was quoting someone else.

Me: 9 concussions, 4 KO's, 2 MTBI's that got scanned, 1 case of PCS. And it sounds like Diglach Mac Cein was worse than me.

[Joshua Santana]

Ah I see, I did recall you mentioning your total number of injuries.   Thanks for the clarification.

[Sir William]

We're all manly men though, aren't we?  We hate anyone who might tell us we're not 100% ready to go at any moment (despite the fact, at least in my case, that it hasn't been that way in years).  With that said, get to know your doctor and make sure they get to know you.  The person responsible for your overall health is you, but the very next one responsible is your doctor.

[Matthew of the Isles]

I've been concerned about just this very thing when it comes to armoring up and getting into clubbing fights. I rather need my brain, such as it is,  and would hate to see it scrambled. I'm certainly not going to be able to market my looks to make a living. But what has concerned me is the question of whether my natural caution has crossed the line into outright cowardice. 

[Jon Blair]

I've been concerned about just this very thing when it comes to armoring up and getting into clubbing fights. I rather need my brain, such as it is,  and would hate to see it scrambled. I'm certainly not going to be able to market my looks to make a living. But what has concerned me is the question of whether my natural caution has crossed the line into outright cowardice.

"Clubbing" fights, jousts, "reenactment" battles, and the like are sports for entertainment, not realities of life as they were for knights back in the day. It's not cowardice to say, "I value my health and well-being, and I don't want to risk it with a dangerous activity," especially if you have others depending on your health and well-being. Cowardice is having a lack of courage, thus being unwilling to do that which you know to be necessary and correct due to fear of danger, difficulty, or opposition of others. No one will die or be hurt if you don't fight in a clubbing fight. You didn't give your word to defend the realm in a reenactment battle. So, there is no necessity to do the thing, hence no cowardice.

[Matthew of the Isles]

There is wisdom to your words. I thank you for it.