New brain-cooling treatment ‘PolarCap’ aims to help players suffering with concussion

A groundbreaking new brain-cooling treatment called Polarcap is revolutionizing the way sports-related concussions are being treated in professional rugby union. Developed from a five-year study in professional ice hockey in Sweden, Polarcap is the first acute treatment for concussions that can be administered pitchside, providing targeted cooling to the head and neck for 45 to 60 minutes following an injury.

Six clubs in the United Rugby Championship (URC) are currently trialling Polarcap, with promising results. The treatment aims to reduce long-term concussion absence by addressing the metabolic dysfunction that occurs in a concussion, particularly in cases where the body’s temperature is higher, leading to what is known as “hot concussions.”

Dr. Michael Dunlop, the medical advisor to the URC and team doctor at Edinburgh Rugby, explains that cooling the brain quickly after a concussion can potentially shorten the recovery time for athletes. A recent study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma supports this claim, stating that Polarcap may reduce symptoms and shorten return-to-play time for athletes in various sports.

Despite the positive outcomes, Dr. Dunlop emphasizes that the treatment is not meant to rush players back onto the field. Instead, it is intended to complement the existing return-to-play process and provide additional support for athletes during their recovery.

Players like Scotland centre Mark Bennett have already experienced the benefits of Polarcap firsthand, with Bennett expressing his willingness to use any treatment that could potentially aid in his recovery from a concussion.

As Polarcap continues to expand to other sports, such as motorsport and handball, it represents a significant advancement in the management of sports-related concussions, offering athletes a new and innovative approach to concussion treatment and recovery.