Concussions in Football

Jamal Kemp

Professor Marley

Prevention/ Treatment of sport injuries        

2 April 2015

Concussions in Football

        A lot of kids grow up thinking that they want to play professional football. They tell themselves that one day they are going to be NFL superstars. Kids see all the fame and fortune and wants to have that for themselves. They do not get to see all the injuries and pain that the players go through day in and day. They do not get to see how much it hurts the athletes in a long run. After all the hard hits to the head throughout the season that cause head injuries. Most commonly concussions, and kids should know what a concussion is, the signs and symptoms of a concussion, the ways they can be prevented, and long term effects of concussions.

         Before anything can be said about a concussion one must first know what it is. These football players should know what they are getting into with this sport, with it being the leading sport for concussions for men. One must know that they have a 75% chance of getting a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI. The brain floats in cerebral fluid that protects it from any jolts or bumps. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that makes the head and brain move back and forth quickly, which caused the brain to bounce around and twist within the skull. The quick movement causes stretching, cell damaging and chemical changes in the brain. It can also tear fiber nerves and rupture blood vessels under the skull, which leads to a buildup of blood. A concussion is also defined as an elaborate pathopsychological process that affects the brain, most commonly caused by trauma to the brain. Once this happens it leaves the brain more vulnerable to more injuries and makes it sensitive to any increased stress until it recovers fully.

        Along with knowing what a concussion is one must know the signs and symptoms of a concussion as well. There are a wide range of different symptoms that s football player can go through and also some that other players and coaches can see for themselves. These include headaches, vomiting, memory problems, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise are just some of the symptoms they could display. The coaches and other players will see the injured player start to have glassy eyes and realize that the athlete is forgetting plays and not remembering what has happen before or after plays. The player may become confused about what they are doing on the field all together. There are also plenty more that will become noticeable after several hours, or days. These symptoms include amnesia and disturbed sleep, depression, sensitivity to light and sound, irritability, lack of concentration, and moodiness. Symptoms such as, prolonged headaches or dizziness, dilated pupils, both pupils are not the same size, prolonged nausea and/or vomiting, memory loss does not improve, ringing in the ears, and lose of sense of smell and/or taste are more serious symptoms and once these symptoms are shown one should seek medical attention. Concussions are usually split up and classified into 3 different grades. Three of the most used ways that classify concussions are, Cantu guidelines made by Dr. Robert Cantu, Colorado Medical Society guidelines, and American Academy of Neurology guidelines. Cantu guidelines classify grade 1 as, amnesia that last longer than 30 minutes, but no loss of consciousness. Grade 2 is, loss of consciousness that last no longer than 5 minutes, or amnesia lasting from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Grade 3 is, loss of consciousness that last more than 5 minutes, or amnesia lasting more than 24 hours. Colorado Medical Society guidelines classify grade 1 as, confusion, with no loss of consciousness. Grade 2 is confusion, amnesia, with no loss of consciousness. Grade 3 is, any loss of consciousness. American Academy of Neurology guidelines classify grade 1 as, confusion lasting less than 15 minutes, with no loss of consciousness. Grade 2 is, confusion lasting more than 15 minutes, with no loss of consciousness. Grade 3 is, loss of consciousness. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a concussion is the first step to preventing more.

        Although one cannot really prevent concussions, one can reduce the chances of them. Concussion reduction in football begins with wearing the appropriate gear of course. In football that would be helmet, but are they really that effective? Researchers from Florida State University did a study to test the safety and strength of the 10 most popular football helmet used in football. They found out that the helmets only reduced concussions by 20%, compared to not wearing a helmet at all. With that being said, it is still very important to wear a helmet, it just means they need to know proper mechanics and techniques. Avoiding the use of the head as the point of contact is crucial in football. Football players should be instructed on how to tackle, like leading with their shoulder instead of their head. The head or helmet is to never be used as a weapon. The NFL’s anti-spearing rules have helped reduce the amount of concussions in football over the past couple of years. Strengthening the neck with exercises for the neck, to help absorb the shock of the blow. At the first sign of a concussion a coach or trainer should take the athlete out of play immediately. Then they should be evaluated by a health care professional that can determine the severity of the concussion. When they ensure the concussion it is extremely important to make sure they come back fully recovered to prevent any further concussions. This is accomplished by using the five step process. Step 1 being, start with light aerobic exercises, like light jogging, or walking, from around 5 to 10 minutes. Step 2 is, continuing these type of exercises, but intensifying them a bit, doing moderate jogging, running and maybe even moderate weight lifting. Step 3 is, more high intensity exercises such as, sprinting, high intensity biking and regular routine weight lifting. Step 4 is, returning to practice at full contact, but controlled. Step 5 is, full return to competition for the athlete. These steps are not to be completed in one day, but in weeks or even months depending on symptoms. Reducing concussions can help reduce the long term effects of concussions.