Research shows concussions can cause long-term effects

There’s always risk with any activity. Of course the risk is greater when an activity involves an impact sport or is high risk – such as rock climbing, skateboarding or racing.

And according to an article in the Hillsboro Tribune, all active sports, not just football, involve injuries — bruises, sprains, lacerations, dislocations and broken bones — which usually heal with no long-term concerns.

“But brain injuries, also called concussions, even if classified as ‘minor’ traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) are different. Brain injuries after recovery can be subtle or dramatic but last a lifetime,” the article reads. “Recent work by Dr. Ann McKee (Boston Medical College) and others reveal two new important facts. Even minor concussions have cumulative effects. It is not just the big hit … that renders a player confused or unconscious that are dangerous. And it is now documented that the hundreds and thousands of typical ‘normal’ head impact events from blocking and tackling have cumulative and significant lifelong health impacts.”

McKee studied more than 100 professional ball players’ brains after their deaths. All the players’ deaths were a result of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Some symptoms of CTE are depression, drug abuse, violence, irrational behaviour and suicide.

“When deaths occur in high school football, brain or spinal injuries are usually causal. Particularly dangerous is secondary impact syndrome when a player sustains an MTBI, continues to play and receives a second brain impact,” the article reads. “Basketball, lacrosse and soccer also involve both acute and cumulative brain injuries. CDC data notes significant incidence of concussion when basketball players’ heads strike hardwood floors.”

Along with protective gear, such as helmets, new protocols such as awareness training for coaches and players, on-field penalties, and Return To Play (RTP) protocols have emerged in recent years. Many states have also imposed Concussion Protocols to protect players.

“New technologies are emerging. Better helmets are good and are being adopted. Shock sensors connected to helmets or in the chin strap cup don’t indicate what is experienced by the head mass and brain,” the article reads. “… De facto medical device liabilities, patent conflicts and high incidence of “false positives” are ongoing issues.”