It’s “complicated for doctors to have players admit that they are suffering”, believes Jean-Philippe Leclaire

Tuesday April 2, footballer Raphael Varane, who now plays for the Manchester United club, alerted on the front page of the magazine The Team on the dangers caused by concussions. A welcome speech for Florent Duparchy, Stade de Reims goalkeeper who suffered two concussions. “It’s reassuring to say that other footballers too, even at a very high level, like Raphaël Varane, can also experience the symptoms we have”did he declare.

Symptoms to listen for

If the concussion is usually not “spectacular”the symptoms that appear in the following hours call for attention “extremely vigilant”, assures neurologist Jean-François Chermann. Headache, fatigue, attention problems, insomnia, character disorders are all signs which now compulsorily push footballers, just like rugby players, to consult. For his part, Jean-Philippe Leclaire, deputy editorial director The Team think he is “complicated for doctors to have players admit that they are suffering”for fear that suffering “comes as an excuse.”