...Dr. Robert Graham and Melanie Stout of TMJ4 news, I observed and analyzed concussions amongst American football. In the past, head injuries amongst football have been known to be looked over and not taken serious. Based on what I’ve found, players who did not tend to their injuries suffered serious health issues later on in their careers. Cases about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, dementia and etc. amongst former players are a lot more common. Tragic reports about former players committing suicide, as well as incidents amongst the youth. Dangers of Football Football is arguably the most dangerous contact sport in America. Head injuries and concussions have always been a part of the game. The number of tragic cases and the lifetime effects that experts are beginning to witness on the older players, make experts question the health of the youth’s future in the sport. People do not take sports related head injuries as seriously as they should. Many NFL players who did not tend to their head injuries like they should’ve were known to have had C.T.E. (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). Many cases and reports about head injuries go to show why athletes, parents, doctors and even coaches should start taking head injuries more seriously. When we think of a concussion in football, we instantly think about a hard head clashing tackle, or a blindside hit on the quarterback, not knowing that a concussion can occur from something as little as a player getting tripped up and hitting...
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...ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION Relationship Between Concussion and Neuropsychological Performance in College Football Players Michael W. Collins, PhD Scott H. Grindel, MD Mark R. Lovell, PhD Duane E. Dede, PhD David J. Moser, PhD Benjamin R. Phalin, BS Sally Nogle, MA, ATC Michael Wasik, MEd, ATC David Cordry, MA Michelle Klotz Daugherty, MA Samuel F. Sears, PhD Guy Nicolette, MD Peter Indelicato, MD Douglas B. McKeag, MD T HE MANAGEMENT OF MILD TRAU- matic brain injury (MTBI; eg, concussion, defined as a traumatically induced alteration in mental status not necessarily resulting in loss of consciousness) in athletics is currently one of the most compelling challenges in sports medicine. Despite the high prevalence1 and potentially serious outcomes2,3 associated with concussion, systematic research on this topic is lacking. Many sports medicine practitioners are not satisfied with current return-to-play and treatment options, which do not appear to be evidence based.4-6 There is also little research examining whether long-term cognitive See also pp 954, 958, 971, 974, and 989. 964 JAMA, September 8, 1999—Vol 282, No. 10 Context Despite the high prevalence and potentially serious outcomes associated with concussion in athletes, there is little systematic research examining risk factors and short- and long-term outcomes. Objectives To assess the relationship between concussion history and learning disability (LD) and the association of these...
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...Concussions in Athletes Patrick Austin DeVry University Concussions in Athletes Junior Seau, a favorite player of many professional football fans, committed suicide in 2012. Although Seau seemed to have everything going his way, he quietly suffered from depression, one of the many symptoms of repeated concussions Those close to Seau knew something was not right the man they all knew and loved. Some of them just chalked it up to him adjusting to life after football. Many players go through an adjustment period after stepping down from a glorious career in the limelight. However, this was not the case with Seau. He was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, CTE. What is unique about Seau’s suicide is he shot himself in the chest. The common belief is he did this to preserve his brain for scientist to study how it was affected by suffering many concussions during his 20 year football career. And, eight months after his death, the scientists who examined his brain announced they had found evidence of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a dire neurological disease linked to concussions, which has been a factor in the deaths of many other NFL players (Penn, 2013). The fact that a player would kill himself because he was suffering from symptoms of repeated concussions speaks to the importance of properly diagnosing and treating head injuries. Other players have suffered from the symptoms of brain trauma. Some, like Dave Dureson, have even taken their own lives. These...
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...A Concussion is a head injury that will temporarily interfere with how the brain functions. With a break from physical activity and cognitive thinking concussions can usually heal rather easily, and within a couple of weeks. Many parents do not comprehend the severity of concussions and will allow their child to return to the sport without being healed completely or not look into the injury at all. If allowed to return to the game without proper care and healing a much lighter hit to the head could cause a concussion, or the healing process could be prolonged, or much more permanent damage could be caused to the child’s still developing brain. According to a new study one single concussion to a brain who hasn’t been fully developed could cause lasting damage. The researchers took 19 patients between the ages of 6-10 whom had suffered a concussion and studied their white and grey brain matter one year after their injury. Grey matter consist of neuronal cell bodies, neuropil, glial cells and capillaries. It is distributed at the surface of the cerebral hemispheres and of the cerebellum, as well as in the depths of the cerebrum, cerebellum brainstem, and spinal cord...
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...The Facts Of Concussions Concussions are a surprisingly common occurrence in sports. Sports-related concussions often result in mental and physical symptoms. For many athletes, the symptoms disappear after about 10 days, and they typically do not last more than several months. In some cases, though, concussions lead to persistent complaints of physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, sometimes referred to as post-concussion syndrome. We do not know whether persistent post-concussive symptoms result from primarily medical or psychological causes. In rare cases, when repeated concussions occur over a brief interval, athletes may suffer from second impact syndrome, a pathological response of the brain that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Concussions are typically managed according to their severity. Immediately after a concussion, medical evaluation is needed to determine a child's vital signs and level of consciousness and to rule out any other injuries, such as those to the spine. Can neuropsychological assessment help with concussions? Well, Neuropsychological assessment is widely regarded as the most sensitive way of detecting disturbances in brain function associated with concussion. The National Football League and the National Hockey League have both instituted systematic programs of neuropsychological testing, as have many colleges. Athletes are administered brief tests of attention, memory, and speed of information processing before the season...
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...young and prove to usually be very healthy at the time of their participation. In high school football many boys are relinquished to hold back from there competitive drive. They many times strive as hard as they can for as long as they can unfortunately not knowing the costs that their dedicated could possibly have on their lives. The definition of a concussion is “a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary, but can include problems, with headache, concentration memory, judgment, balance and coordination and are also called “shell shock” symtoms.” Many young men that are participating in the sport of football are unknowingly putting themselves at risk for major issues concerning their health. Concern for young football players is rapidly growing according to newfound evidence that these young men are suffering from these injuries without anyone knowing it. Some of these head injuries are very serious and more importantly they often go without notice or diagnosis. Also many times people tend to think that it is the big hits that many times cause the concussion, however it can also be from the number of times that one is hit. Many times others that are hit are overlooked because they do not “look dazed, or who later look dazed, or who can’t keep their balance, or who suffer from slurred speech and vision.” High school football players have an average of about 150 impacts with their head every week that they are...
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...Concussions are a type of brain injury; however, it’s the most minor form of a brain injury. Concussions are caused by blows to the head, neck or upper body – whether it is from playing a sport or even an accident during daily activity. These blows cause your brain to bump and slide within the inner walls of your skull – which in turn can result in a concussion. Concussions can lead to a loss of consciousness, but most don’t, which is why many people with concussions don’t realize that they have one. Concussions are also fairly common, especially if you play contact sports like football. Fortunately, most of the time, concussions are mild and its effects are temporary. Nonetheless, every concussion injures your brain to some extent, which is why it is important to take time to rest and heal. (Next slide) There are two different grades of concussions, which are based on its severity. A simple concussion is where the person experiences symptoms that improve and disappear in 7-10 days. Complex concussions, on the other hand, are where the person experiences persistent symptoms that last longer than 7-10 days. Doctors also consider it a complex concussion if the person passes out or has a seizure at the time of the injury. (Next slide) The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer. Common symptoms right after a concussion are headaches, loss of memory and confusion. Some other signs...
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...Head to Head Collisions: A Real Knock Out Audience- All football players and their parents. Also those fans of the NFL who believe the new rules are taking away from the game. Purpose- Address the recent changes in the NFL concerning the rules against helmet to helmet collisions, and make those involved aware of the dangers of footballs most common and most dangerous injury. Matt Gfeller was the average teenager living in a small suburb town in North Carolina. He grew up loving the game of football and dreamed of the day he would start on the high school varsity team. On August 22, 2008, during the fourth quarter of his first varsity game, Matthew suffered a severe helmet to helmet collision while making a tackle at outside linebacker. This accident caused a fatal traumatic brain injury, putting Matthew into a coma. Matthew never regained consciousness and died two days later on Sunday, August 24, 2008. Tragically, events similar to this happen all too often in the fast-paced, hard hitting game of football. The National Football League has recently taken steps to keep its players safer on the field by making all helmet to helmet hits illegal. Many players and fans alike claim it is taking away from the game, but many ex-NFL players and parents of younger players such as Matthews’ would disagree. They believe that the new reals regarding helmet to helmet impacts should be enforced and helmet standards should be raised to further protect the athletes. The NFL and other...
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...doctors are taking control of an epidemic of untreated concussions. As more studies advance, it is discovered that every case is different. The range of seriousness is created by severity, past experience with trauma, and how the patient heals. Concussions in sports can range in severity, and how they affect each individual over time depending on times of impact. A concussion can be defined as a mild traumatic brain injury caused by excessive impact to the head. The word concussion comes from the Latin word concutere, which means "to shake violently." The injury is caused by the brain moving forcefully back and forth. The brain is made up of soft tissue and protected by spinal fluid and encased in the protective shell of the skull. The rapid movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and can sometimes stretch and damage brain cells or nerves. Moreover, it’s a bruise on the brain that alters mental state. Things like car and bicycle accidents, falls while playing sports or at work, and fighting are some of the leading sources of concussions. When being examined by a doctor first the signs and symptoms will be evaluated, then the medical history will be under review, and finally...
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...Concussion or brain concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a blow to the head or violent jarring or shaking. It is a form of head trauma that often involves loss of consciousness, which maybe momentary or may last for several hours. Brain concussion is a common injury that may sometimes have serious consequences. (Izenberg 232) Consciousness is the awareness of the self an ones surroundings. This awareness depends on a combination of sensations, memories, and experiences. Common symptoms immediately following a concussion include confusion, memory loss, dizziness, blurred vision, and vomiting. Paralysis and shock are also possible. The longer the period of unconsciousness, the more serious and dangers symptoms tend to be. (Harris 100) If the impact affects the consciousness center I the brain stem, then the person with concussion loses consciousness. This may happen if a boxer knockout punch makes the other boxers head accelerate sharply, or if someone’s head decelerates suddenly, as when it strikes the ground during a fall. (Izenberg 233) Like my topic sports are the most common causes of concussions and sports with the most physical contact. Like football, boxing, and hockey, are the most to produce head injuries that involve concussions. Concussions may also happen during falls in basketball, soccer, and baseball, or while riding motorcycles or bicycles. (Izenberg 233) Well I have also seen it with horses it happened to my cousin. One day we where...
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...rattle against your skull. You now have a concussion and will watch from the sideline the rest of the game. “No guts, No glory,” is a very popular saying when it comes to football, however is permanent brain damage worth all the glory? III. Preview of Speech: Helmets are very helpful; however they can only do so much to protect you. If a player is constantly taking blows to the head the chances of getting a concussion increase. Players can be affected by these hits even after they have stopped playing the game. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a disease that may occur up to ten years after someone stops playing the sport. Head Injuries in Football Football Related Head Injuries Introduction: I. Attention Getter: Imagine you’re an NFL quarterback taking a three step drop, you have 5 seconds if that to get rid of the ball before a 350 pound defensive lineman comes charging at you and throws you to the ground, as your falling you slam your head against the ground causing your brain to rattle against your skull. You now have a concussion and will watch from the sideline the rest of the game. II. Thesis Statement: “No guts, No glory,” is a very popular saying when it comes to football, however is permanent brain damage worth all the glory? III. Preview of Speech: Helmets are very helpful; however they can only do so much to protect you. If a player is constantly taking blows to the head the chances of getting a concussion increase. Players can be affected by...
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...Every year, roughly 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes in the United States alone suffer from a concussion (“13 Things You”). But, almost half of these concussions are not reported and therefore not treated (“13 Things You”). Of all sports contributing to the concussion total, football is by far the main contributor. “High school football accounts for 47% of all reported sports concussions, while 33% of these concussions occur during practice,” (“Head Case - Complete”). The main reason for this could be improper technique and teaching, neglect, and other factors. But for these players, high school is followed by college and possibly the National Football League (NFL), where concussions get much more attention and criticism. Concussions in the NFL...
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...Concussions in Football Paul Kowalczyk Lakeside High School 5th Period In this paper I am going to be talking about concussions in Football. I wanted to research this topic because I did not know how easy it is to get a concussion in sports. I also chose this topic because it can relate to the news today. The National Football League has just recently passed a rule that fines any player that tackles another player and creates head-to-head contact. I really wanted to know more about this new rule, and how this is going to affect the game. A concussion is a mild brain injury that happens when the brain quickly moves back and forth in the skull. Concussions are a short loss of normal brain function that is usually caused by sports injuries or by a blow to the head. American Football is one of the easiest ways to receive a concussion. Even though the players wear helmets they can still get a concussion. Researchers have found that out of 17,549 college football players, 888 players have received concussions and out of those 888 players 131 received another concussion that same season. Researchers at Virginia Tech, using sensors attached to the helmet of a college player, recorded more than 3,300 hits to the head during 10 games and 35 practice sessions in 2003 (Kuwana, 2004). They found that players receive an average of 50 hits to the head every game, and with an average force of 40 times...
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...more attention over the past few years; the effects of repeated concussions have been demonstrated in a number of high-profile athletes. With multimillion dollars and careers at stake, professional athletic associations have supported the implementation of preseason baseline testing and neuropsychological evaluation to assist in return-to-play decision making and to assess the cognitive sequelae of concussive head injuries. Such comprehensive programs are infiltrating college athletics and most recently have begun to manifest themselves in high school athletics. It is clear that mild head injury is a growing concern in the popular high school contact sports. Statement of Purpose...
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...It is predicted that sportsmen who are diagnosed with concussion more than once will be exposed to long term effects of concussion, such as decreased activity in the primary motor cortex resulting in a slower reaction time. Introduction: The brain is an organ that serves as the centre of the nervous system in all humans. The brain is located in the head, encased in a skull usually close to the sensory organs for senses such as vision. The brain is the most complex organ in the body of most living organisms. In a human, the cerebral cortex contains approximately 15–33 billion neurons, each connected by synapses to several thousand other neurons. These neurons allow the brain to send messages throughout the body actions such as movement. Structures...
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