...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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...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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...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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...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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...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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...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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...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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...Children and Concussions “Kids will be kids.” That saying has been around for ages. Its basic meaning is that kids can get into some trouble, whether it be by injury or doing something foolish. That is until they sustain a concussion or some other brain injury. Then the tables change. Concussions have been an increasing problem and has brought fear in every household whose children are in physical sports. Concussions have been around ever since humans started performing physical activities. There has been loads of equipment created to help prevent this brain injury. The equipment created dropped the risk about 8% but it still isn’t effective enough. At this day and age, children and teens pretty much do whatever anybody tells them to do. Especially when it comes to sports. They don’t understand the risks they take when they go out on that field or court. Having the knowledge of the risks, before you go out there and play, should be mandatory and would most definitely help in the long run. Problem A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull, causing changes in the brains chemistry and energy supply. Concussions are increasing every year and it is getting way out of control. Over 400,000 children are admitted to hospitals each and every year either induced with a concussion or some other brain injury. Over 6,000 of them die from these injuries. These injuries have increased so much that even the national sports leagues are...
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...Consequences of Sports concussions. Jonathan C. Edwards M.D graduated from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and is a professor at the Medical University of Neurosciences. Jeffrey D Bodle MD graduated from the Indiana University School of medicine and is a neurologist in Charleston, North Carolina. The title Causes and Consequences of Sports concussions reflects the focus of the study because in the article the focus is on causes of sports related concussions and also the consequences. The research in this article is qualitative because the researchers focus on gathering verbal data rather than measurements. This report includes an abstract, discussion, results and references. It does not contain an introduction or methods. The abstract of this article contains the purpose of the study; it covers the common characteristics of concussions, certain symptoms and touches base on the impact of a concussions. Within the overview a concussion can also happen with impact to the...
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...High school student-athletes can relate to this, for the matter: at some point in their athletic career they were injured and did not fully recover.They were not able to fully bounce back because there was never the thought that it would result in long term damage. Playing through the injury was key. This was due to constant repetition saying, “play through the discomfort and pain, it sucks not but it will pay off in the end.” Many athletes are taught that sports are all about fighting through struggles; if that task cannot be completed then they are not resilient enough for sports. “Despite the NFL’s best efforts, however, football is an extremely physical and violent game, in which concussions and head injuries are inevitable. Players continue to hide concussion symptoms from coaches and trainers to avoid being taken out of a highly contested game and possibly even losing their starting positions permanently” (Drysdale 427). In the long run it is better to address the injury right away instead of trying to stay in the game. It would be most beneficial to sit out the few games required for recovery, than to play and worsen the injury. NFL players did what any athlete would do and stay in the game, regarding whatever their condition was. They did this to avoid the disappointment their teammates might see in them, but also the satisfaction they would get when...
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...Concussions in the NHL Today in the National Hockey League, concussions have become a serious reoccurring problem. Some of the league’s best athletes have had to end their professional careers prematurely, because of concussions. Gary Bettman, the NHL’s President, general managers of each team, and the National Hockey League’s Players Association, have been trying to come up with a solution to reduce the numbers of concussions each year. The NHL’s regular season ended the second weekend of April. Soon after the NHL announced that this year the league recorded the most concussions ever. The NHL is failing to reduce the numbers of concussions each year. So we ask this question, is the NHL doing a good enough job of protecting its players from this serious injury? Sidney Crosby, the superstar of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and arguably the best hockey player in the NHL, has been sidelined with a concussion problem since January 5th. During the Winter Classic game on January 1st, Crosby collided with David Steckel of the Washington Capitals. After the hit Crosby laid face down on the ice for some time. In obvious pain Crosby skated back to the Penguins bench to talk to his team’s medical staff. Hockey players have the mentality of being tough, so Crosby took his next shift, and played the rest of the game. During his next game, against the Tampa Bay Lighting, Crosby took a hard check into the boards again taking a hard to the head. This time he wasn’t so tough. Crosby skated straight...
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