Concussion to be examined by BHA The British Horseracing Authority's medical team will from next month look at "better ways to manage concussion" by imposing more rigorous testing on jockeys. In an interview with the Times, BHA chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill said riders will have to undergo a three-part test of balance - an issue known to be affected during a concussion - when they apply for their yearly professional licence. More stringent background checks on historical problems regarded as potential contributory factors to concussion, such as depression and migraines, will also come into effect from August 1. Hill said: "One of the challenges is that if you are concussed you may not realise your balance is affected. "It is not until it is tested objectively that you find it is a problem. For a jockey, balance is obviously crucial. "There will be some people who are naturally better with their balance than others so having a baseline is important for comparison." Hill also revealed plans for more exhaustive testing for symptoms associated with concussion when a jockey suffers a fall on a racecourse. All jockeys, both over jumps and on the Flat, are already checked by medics for concussion when they fall, but the BHA is keen to impose retesting on a raceday - even if a rider has been given the all-clear to immediately return to the saddle. Hill said: "We are trying to pick up this concept of delayed concussion. "What we need to make sure is that across the industry everyone appreciates there are better ways to manage concussion."
