SPORTS-related head and brain injuries are on the rise.

According to Headway, the brain injury charity, the latest available figures show there are around 350,000 patients admitted to hospital with acquired brain injury every year.

Head injuries form a large part of hospital admissions, with an average of over 400 every day across the UK.

Some of these happen as a result of sports related concussion, from contact sports such as football, rugby, hockey, boxing and many others.

Participation in sport, particularly among young people, is a really good way to stay fit and healthy.

Being active and healthy is certainly something to be encouraged, but it is important to be aware of the signs of concussion.

Professional sportspeople and athletes are often surrounded by medical teams who are acutely aware of the signs of head injury, but those who take part in sport for recreation might not have the same support.

A concussion is a minor disturbance of the brain’s functioning as a result of a blow to the head. This can leave those affected with dizziness, nausea, confusion, light sensitivity and other vision problems.

Although some people with a concussion might lose consciousness for a short period of time, the vast majority may not display symptoms for some time after the injury has occurred.

The best rule to follow if someone experiences a blow to the head is to stop taking part and seek medical attention.

Ignoring concussion can be serious.

Although most concussions do not cause any long term damage, further injury to the brain can be much more severe than an ordinary concussion and can even be fatal.

In Parliament, as vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury, I have been pushing to ensure awareness of and research into the dangers of sports related concussion.

More must and can be done by schools to ensure pupils are aware of the dangers from a young age. At the very least it should form an important part of physical education lessons.

When someone develops a brain injury or condition as a result of sport it can have a profound impact on their future and their family.

Nobody should have to face the consequences of a serious brain injury simply for enjoying and taking part in the sports they love.