Concussion Awareness
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that could potentially result in impaired brain function. The severity of the injury affects the type of symptoms you experience. Concussion symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Balance problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Lack of concentration
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Visit WebMD for more information, signs, and symptoms
The current research community continues to provide studies and reviews on the relationship between the individual and a concussion. Science only continues to improve and can impact peoples’ lives for the better. Read below to learn more about a recent finding on concussion research.
“This is Your Brain on Football”
Image above is from the video
Concussion awareness has become a significant topic in recent years. Many school systems across the country now require mandatory annual concussion training for any athlete desiring sports participation. The impact of repeated concussive and sub-concussive hits to the brain is now coming to the forefront of medical research.
Dr. Ann McKee, a neuropathologist at the Bedford, MA, Veterans Administration, has been conducting extensive research on the effects of concussions and repeated sub-concussive impacts on the brain. It is estimated that the average football player can have up to 1,500 of these sub-concussive impacts per season. This is now being shown to have a possible link to a condition known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
During the development of this condition, large deposits of an abnormal Tau protein get deposited on the brain’s neural cells, causing them to degenerate and die. Symptoms can show up years later in depression, loss of judgment, memory loss, and possible full dementia.
Parents today should make informed choices and decisions about their children’s sports participation and the different coaching styles out there. There is an outstanding article put together by Time that discusses all of this. Please take the time out of your busy lives to read this article and share it with your social media friends. The link is below.
Repeated Hits to the Head– Not Concussions– May Cause CTE
