Pat Lambie is finally concussion free, but will still need to go through post-concussion syndrome protocols before he can return to play.
Considerable concerns began to arise when Lambie continued to display symptoms and could not start training almost two months after sustaining a knock to the head against Ireland.
However, according to the Daily News, Sharks team doctor Alan Kourie confirmed that Lambie has been concussion-free for some time, but has been affected by post-concussion syndrome.
At one stage, Lambie’s concussion was verging on uncharted territory in terms of its length, prompting Kourie look into some alternative theories.
After Lambie was put through the Graded Return To Play Protocols and continued to display symptoms several weeks down the line, Kourie studied research related to the fact that Lambie had previously suffered from migraines and had also suffered neck injuries.
Certain research suggested that this could play a part in triggering post-concussion syndrome, which was potentially leading the Sharks and Bok flyhalf to battle with headaches when asked to exercise.
Kourie consulted other specialists and ultimately all have concurred that Lambie’s symptoms are related to post-concussion syndrome rather than the concussion itself.
He will now be put through a procedure called the Buffalo Protocol, aimed at reducing the syndrome, and which involves slowly returning to exercise until he is ready to take part in full-contact sessions.
An exact date of Lambie’s return to action will only be determined once this is achieved.
Photo: Luke Walker/Gallo Images
