In a recent article, the Wall Street Journal reported that the NCAA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, is undertaking a 3 year $30 million dollar study pertaining to head injuries and concussions. Of note, the NCAA has already agreed to pay $75 million to settle a class action lawsuit over concussion related claims.
New Techniques for Diagnosing Concussion-Related CTE
As concussion research continues to become more sophisticated, we’re getting closer to developing new techniques to help identify a concussion-related disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE.
Right now, CTE can only be diagnosed after death. But the new study offers hope that in the near future, CTE could be diagnosed earlier.
NFL Athlete Uses His Heart to Save His Head
NFL Linebacker Chris Borland’s recent decision was a brave one; he walked away from a $3 million contract over the issue of concussions.
Last August, the 24-year old Borland was just starting out as a rookie linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. During his first training camp he suffered a concussion. But he continued to play through the day and through the rookie season. Even so, the issue of concussion kept bothering him and he began researching the data. He found plenty, enough to change his mind about a career in football.
Helmet Add-ons – Do they Help Reduce Concussions?
By now, most sports-minded Americans know a lot more about concussions than they did even five years ago. This awareness has led to policy and protocol changes throughout athletic organizations, from youth to professional sports. Concussion awareness has also made its way to the sports-retail market, where new football helmet add-ons claim to reduce head injuries. But do they work?
Parents – You can Protect Your Young Football Players from Concussions
A recent study of young football players ages five to 15 years old found that proper blocking and tackling techniques along with properly fitted equipment can reduce injuries by 76 percent. It can also reduce by 57 percent, those injuries that keep players out for at least 24 hours.
My Big 8 Take-Aways from the Big 12 Concussion Protocol
Last month the Big 12 Conference announced its new policy for concussion diagnosis and management for its member institution’s student-athletes. The policy was developed by team athletic trainers, physicians and medical support staff, and approved by the board of directors.
From now on, all Big 12 member institutions will be required to follow the same concussion diagnosis and management protocol as the NCAA.
What Parents Need to Know about Lacrosse and Concussion
Did you know that lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.? In the last five years, the number of young athletes playing lacrosse rose 158 percent. That’s a meteoric rise.
I checked with the Texas Scholastic Lacrosse Association, Inc. (TSLA), the governing body for the Texas High School Lacrosse League, and learned the league has 90 Member School Programs for the 2014/2015 season, and more than 3,700 high school student athletes across the State of Texas. At this rate, it’s important for parents to start paying more attention to this sport.
Concussion Before 12 – Do We Need to Look at Children’s Football Differently?
This week, some sobering news out of Boston University: Former NFL players who played tackle football before the age of 12 show more decreases in memory and cognitive functions than those who started playing tackle later, as teens.
Super Bowl Mania Clouds the Concussion Issue
With Super Bowl madness winding down, the issue of concussion is coming up. And once again, we’re talking about the NFL.
I’m a great fan of football, and Sunday found me like it did 111.5 million other viewers – sitting in front of the TV watching the match-up between Seattle and New England. There were great plays and it was a great game. But as a physician certified in concussion management, I watched closely as the Patriot’s receiver, Julian Edelman, took a hard hit helmet-to-helmet in the fourth quarter. It was clear he was slow getting back on his feet. My concussion alarm went off. And then, despite the NFL’s big focus on reducing brain injuries, we saw Edelman go back into the game, finishing with the winning touchdown that gave the Patriot’s players a Super Bowl ring.
“Planned Return” – A New Concussion Strategy All Schools Should Adopt
Kudos to Trinity Christian Academy in Addison Texas. This school serves as a great example of how to strategically handle the aftermath of concussion among young athletes.
You may have heard the recent NPR story on this subject. For those who didn’t, here’s the condensed version.
A Trinity football player suffered a concussion during a game. For weeks after, he complained that his stomach hurt. He was tired all the time and felt pressure in his head. His doctor gave him some wise advice: No school, no football, no friends or electronics as long as these symptoms continue. The player was also told to be in a dark room and literally, “do nothing.”