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Sports Related Concussions

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Unfortunately, sports-related head injuries occur frequently and can be difficult to diagnose; injuries like concussions aren't always as obvious or painful as a fractured limb or pulled muscle but aren't any less serious. The Center for Disease Control(CDC) estimates that, in the Unites States alone, over 300,000 sports-related concussions occur a year(Article 1). The results of concussions can be detrimental, especially in children and young adults. Returning to play shortly after a concussion can make players vulnerable to serious injury, even permanent brain damage. Therefore, stricter protocol should be set in place for returning to play after a concussion. It seems obvious that concussions should be treated as seriously as any other …show more content…
"The effects of repeated concussions can be cumulative, and after a concussion, there is a period in which the brain is particularly vulnerable to further injury."(Article 3) If another concussion occurs in this period, the risk of permanent brain damage increases significantly and can even result in death. However, this short period is not the only time to take caution for another concussion. As stated by Dr. Fred Theye and Dr. Karla Mueller, High school students are 3 times more likely to experience a second concussion if concussed once during a season. On the contrary, it might be argued that an athlete may be reluctant to report any signs of a concussion due to the fact that it could temporarily or even permanently end their sports career. These signs may include headaches, dizziness, irritability, and eventually depression, and may continue to persist for up to 6 weeks. However, experts would argue that lifelong health is more important than a sports career, no matter who the player happens to be. No matter how passionate a player is about their sport, no one should be at a serious risk for death as they

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