You might think that a concussion is just a hit to the head. But it is so much more than that. Doug King, an Emergency Department Clinical Nurse Specialist in New Zealand, has actively studied concussions for years. He discusses what a concussion is and how you don’t need to be hit in the head to have a concussion. He emphasizes how concussions impact athletes in games like rugby and American football and the need for more research on how concussions impact female athletes as well. Doug reveals some of the most common symptoms he sees, some of which start 2-3 days later. Often, athletes are put back on the field and the concussions go under-diagnosed. However, this is extremely detrimental to the athlete’s health as there are several long lasting effects that can even lead to death.

Having served in the Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Army Nursing corps, Doug retired as a Captain and was awarded the NZOSM, NZGSM(IO) and NZDSM(R) for his service time. Since leaving the military, Doug has dedicated towards advancing himself academically having completed Post Graduate studies in resuscitation and sports medicine as well as two Doctor of Philosophy degrees on Sports Injury Epidemiology and Head impact Biomechanics and Sports Related Concussion. Doug has just submitted his third PhD on women’s rugby union sports injuries and concussion management in women. Doug utilises this research within his primary employment in the Emergency Department enabling this to be implemented on a variety of patients presenting from sports injuries through to domestic violence, child abuse and falls. Doug has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers and is consulted from a variety of agencies on concussion related aspects.