How does the NFL’s concussion problem affect players’ long-term health. What are the recent changes in concussion protocols. Can these changes effectively protect players in such a high-contact sport. What are the long-term consequences of repeated head injuries in football.

The Russell Gage Incident: A Wake-Up Call for NFL Player Safety

The recent hospitalization of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage due to a concussion and neck injury has once again thrust the National Football League’s (NFL) ongoing concussion problem into the spotlight. This incident, occurring just two weeks after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest on the field, has reignited concerns about player safety in professional football.

Gage’s injury serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in this high-contact sport and raises questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures. Are the NFL’s efforts to protect players from concussions and their long-term effects sufficient?

Tracking Concussions: A Declining Trend or Underreported Reality?

The NFL began officially tracking concussions during the 2015 season, and since then, there has been a reported decline in the number of concussions. However, this trend doesn’t necessarily paint the full picture. The true extent of the problem may be obscured by underreporting or misdiagnosis of concussions.

For instance, the controversy surrounding Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s multiple head injuries earlier in the season highlighted the potential flaws in the concussion protocol. Tagovailoa’s return to play after displaying signs of head trauma, which was initially reported as a “back injury,” prompted the league to revisit and revise its concussion protocol.

Revised Concussion Protocol: Closing the Loopholes

The NFL’s revised concussion protocol now includes ataxia – defined as “abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination, or dysfunctional speech” resulting from a concussion – as a “no-go” symptom. This addition aims to prevent players from returning to the game if they display these symptoms, regardless of the suspected cause.

The NFL Players Association stated, “We want to ensure that all of our medical professionals not only adhere to the protocols as written, but also understand that they serve the players as patients.” But is this revision enough to protect players in such a high-impact sport?

Understanding Concussions: More Than Just a Bump on the Head

Concussions are a subset of mild traumatic brain injuries, with varying degrees of severity. Dr. Richard Figler, director of the Concussion Center and staff physician in the Center for Sports Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, explains that treatment typically involves finding a balance between rest and activity.

“Typically too much activity makes symptoms worse, but too little activity can have the opposite effect, by not allowing the brain to heal as quickly,” Dr. Figler notes. “We’re really trying to find that sweet spot where people can do things without provoking their symptoms.”

The Recovery Process: A Delicate Balance

Recent research suggests that early, controlled exercise that doesn’t exacerbate symptoms may aid in faster recovery. This approach challenges the traditional notion of complete rest following a concussion. Dr. Figler adds, “There’s good evidence to suggest that early exercise, that does not provoke symptoms is beneficial, and will help aid in recovery faster than no exercise.”

However, it’s crucial to note that recovery times can vary significantly among individuals and across different levels of athletic competition.

Elite Athletes and Concussion Recovery: A Double-Edged Sword

A 2018 study by Christopher D’Lauro and colleagues found that “elite athletes,” such as NFL players, tend to recover from concussions faster than non-athletes. The study revealed that professional athletes generally return to play within five to seven days, compared to seven to 10 days for collegiate athletes and about 30 days for high school athletes.

While this faster recovery time might seem advantageous, it raises concerns about potential long-term consequences. Does a quicker return to play increase the risk of cumulative damage over time?

The Long-Term Impact: A Growing Body of Evidence

Research increasingly points to the serious long-term consequences of concussions and repeated head impacts in football players. A 2016 study found that over 40% of retired NFL players showed signs of traumatic brain injury on MRI scans. This rate was significantly higher than in the general population.

Increased Risk of Neurological Diseases

Concussions have been linked to an elevated risk of neurological diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. A 2018 study from the University of California San Francisco found that even a single concussion could double the likelihood of developing dementia later in life.

Moreover, it’s not just diagnosed concussions that pose a risk. Another 2018 study revealed that repeated “subconcussive hits” – impacts that don’t result in a concussion diagnosis – can increase the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition.

CTE: The Silent Threat to Football Players

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy has become a major concern in the football community. Research has found CTE in the brains of nearly all deceased former football players whose brains were donated for study. This alarming discovery has led to increased scrutiny of the long-term effects of playing football at all levels.

What makes CTE particularly concerning? Unlike concussions, which have immediate symptoms, CTE develops slowly over time and can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem. This makes it challenging to identify and address in active players.

The Football Players Health Study: Seeking Solutions

In response to growing concerns about player health, the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University was launched in 2014. This 10-year initiative aims to better understand and address the health challenges faced by football players.

The study has already made significant breakthroughs that could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of football-related brain injuries. However, translating these findings into effective preventive measures and treatments remains a challenge.

Balancing Player Safety and the Nature of the Game

The NFL faces a complex challenge: how to maintain the essence of football – a sport known for its physicality and hard hits – while prioritizing player safety. This balancing act involves not just rule changes and improved equipment, but also a shift in culture and attitudes towards head injuries.

The Role of Technology in Player Safety

Advancements in technology are playing an increasingly important role in player safety. From improved helmet designs to sophisticated impact sensors, new tools are being developed to better protect players and detect potential injuries in real-time.

However, technology alone cannot solve the problem. It must be coupled with strict enforcement of safety protocols and a willingness to prioritize player health over game outcomes.

The Future of Football: Adapting to New Realities

As our understanding of the long-term impacts of concussions and repeated head impacts grows, the future of football may need to evolve. This could involve further rule changes, enhanced protective equipment, or even more fundamental alterations to how the game is played.

The NFL, as the pinnacle of professional football, has a responsibility to lead the way in these changes. Its actions and policies have a ripple effect throughout all levels of the sport, from youth leagues to college football.

Education and Awareness: Key to Player Protection

One crucial aspect of improving player safety is education. Players, coaches, and medical staff need to be fully aware of the risks associated with concussions and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. This includes recognizing the signs of a concussion and understanding the potential long-term consequences of playing through head injuries.

Moreover, fostering a culture where players feel comfortable reporting symptoms and where team staff prioritize player health over short-term game outcomes is essential.

The Ethical Dilemma: Player Choice vs. Institutional Responsibility

The concussion issue in football raises complex ethical questions. On one hand, adult players have the right to make informed decisions about their health and career. On the other hand, the NFL and other football organizations have a responsibility to protect their players from potentially life-altering injuries.

How can this balance be struck? Should there be limits on the number of games a player can participate in per season? Should there be mandatory retirement ages or concussion limits? These are questions that the football community will need to grapple with in the coming years.

The Role of Player Unions and Advocacy Groups

Player unions and advocacy groups play a crucial role in pushing for better safety measures and support for current and former players. These organizations can advocate for stronger concussion protocols, improved post-career healthcare, and more comprehensive research into the long-term effects of playing football.

Their efforts have already led to significant changes, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the long-term health and well-being of football players at all levels.

Learning from Other Sports: A Comparative Approach

Football is not the only sport grappling with concussion issues. Other contact sports such as rugby, hockey, and boxing have also implemented measures to reduce the risk of head injuries. What can football learn from these sports?

For instance, rugby has implemented strict protocols around tackling techniques and has banned certain types of high-risk tackles. Could similar approach be adapted for football without fundamentally changing the nature of the game?

The Role of Youth Football in Shaping the Future

The future of football may well be determined by how the sport is approached at the youth level. With growing awareness of the risks associated with tackle football for young children, many parents are opting for flag football or delaying their children’s participation in tackle football until they are older.

How might these changes in youth participation affect the future of the sport? Will we see a shift towards less contact-heavy versions of football, or will improved safety measures and training techniques allow tackle football to remain a popular youth sport?

The Economic Impact: Balancing Business and Player Welfare

The NFL is a multi-billion dollar industry, and decisions about player safety inevitably intersect with economic considerations. How can the league balance its financial interests with its ethical obligation to protect players?

This balance affects not just the NFL, but also college football programs, equipment manufacturers, and the broader sports entertainment industry. Finding solutions that protect players while maintaining the economic viability of the sport is a complex challenge that requires input from various stakeholders.

The Role of Fans and Public Opinion

Public opinion and fan attitudes play a significant role in shaping the future of football. As awareness of the long-term risks of concussions grows, how might fan attitudes towards the sport change? Will there be increased pressure for safer play, or will the inherent risks be seen as an accepted part of the game?

The answers to these questions could significantly impact the future of football, influencing everything from rule changes to viewership patterns.

The Path Forward: Integrating Science, Policy, and Culture

Addressing the concussion crisis in football requires a multifaceted approach that integrates advances in medical science, policy changes, and cultural shifts. It involves not just the NFL, but also college and youth football organizations, medical professionals, researchers, and players themselves.

As we move forward, it’s clear that the sport of football will need to continue evolving to prioritize player safety. This evolution may change aspects of the game we’ve come to know, but it’s a necessary step to ensure the long-term health and well-being of those who play this beloved sport.

The incident involving Russell Gage serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing football. It underscores the need for continued vigilance, research, and action to protect players at all levels of the sport. As we look to the future, the hope is that football can find a way to maintain its excitement and competitiveness while significantly reducing the risk of long-term health consequences for its players.

Russell Gage’s injury highlights the NFL’s concussion problem and how it hurts players long-term

Merely two weeks after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was rushed off field due to cardiac arrest, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage was hospitalized with a concussion and neck injury after a hit during Monday’s playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. The incident highlights the ongoing concern regarding concussions and player safety in the National Football League.

Although the number of reported concussions in the NFL has declined since it started tracking them during the 2015 season, the protocol was once again called into question following Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s multiple head injuries earlier this season. Those injuries, one of which was later reported by the team to be a “back injury,” prompted the league to revisit its concussion protocol.

In the revised policy, ataxia, or “abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination, or dysfunctional speech” as a result of a concussion–which Tagovailoa demonstrated after returning to the game in Week 3–has been added to the list of “no-go” signs and symptoms, which means any player displaying these symptoms will not be allowed to return to the game.

Essentially, the revised protocol closes a loophole that allowed players who had gross motor instability to return to the game if doctors determined the player’s stumbling was caused by something other than a head injury.

“We want to ensure that all of our medical professionals not only adhere to the protocols as written, but also understand that they serve the players as patients,” the NFL Players Association wrote in response to recent changes.

But it remains to be seen whether these changes are enough and whether they will ultimately keep players safe in such a high-contact sport. While severity is variable, concussions are considered a subset of mild traumatic brain injuries. Treatment usually involves rest; however, too much rest can prolong recovery.

“Typically too much activity makes symptoms worse, but too little activity can have the opposite effect, by not allowing the brain to heal as quickly,” explains Dr. Richard Figler, director of the Concussion Center and staff physician in the Center for Sports Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. “We’re really trying to find that sweet spot where people can do things without provoking their symptoms … There’s good evidence to suggest that early exercise, that does not provoke symptoms is beneficial, and will help aid in recovery faster than no exercise. This may include going for a light walk, or getting on an exercise bike, but if the symptoms worsen, slowing down the activity to a point where there are minimal to no symptoms at that level of exercise.”

In most sports-related concussions, patients typically follow a progressive course of recovery over one to four weeks, says Figler. A 2018 study by Christopher D’Lauro, a cognitive neuroscientist at the Air Force Academy, and his colleagues found that “elite athletes,” such as NFL players, are able to recover from concussions faster than non-athletes. Their study showed that return-to-play time for professional athletes is generally five to seven days, compared to seven to 10 days for collegiate athletes and roughly 30 days for high school athletes.

But a shorter recovery time doesn’t equate to fewer long-term effects.

According to a 2016 study, more than 40% of retired NFL players demonstrated signs of traumatic brain injury based on MRI scans. At the time, study author Dr. Francis X. Conidi of the Florida Center for Headache and Sports Neurology and Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee, Florida said, “The rate of traumatic brain injury was significantly higher in the players than that found in the general population.”

There are also long-term consequences of concussions, including an increase in neurological diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s. While there is no known threshold to how many concussions a person can viably sustain, a 2018 study from the University of California San Francisco found that likelihood of dementia doubled following even one concussion. 

Even if a person does not sustain a concussion, another 2018 study found that repeated hits to the head, or “subconcussive hits,” can increase the risk of later development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, otherwise known as CTE, the degenerative brain condition that was found in the nearly all of deceased former football players whose brains were donated for research purposes.

The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, a 10-year initiative that launched in 2014, has already determined three breakthroughs that may lead to the slowing down and reversing the buildup tau protein in the brain, which can lead to CTE. Those treatments include light treatment that can lead to improved sleep and less post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms; an antibody that can block the spread of Tau protein; and devices to measure the in-game impact of hits on the brain.

While there’s no surefire way to prevent concussions, especially in high-contact sports, such as football, hockey, and soccer, there are changes that can help protect the brain, head, and neck from significant trauma. Neck-strengthening exercises may help dissipate force to the head during these traumas and using helmets in good repair can also help diminish concussive risk says Figler.

Ultimately, the most impactful changes may need to be made to the game itself as Figler cites adjustments to the rules as an effective way to decrease concussions in certain sports.  

“This is based on good data from injury reports that help foster rule changes that make sports safer,” he says.

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Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa placed in NFL concussion protocol

CNN
 — 

Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said at a Monday news conference.

The announcement comes a day after Tagovailoa played the entire game as the Dolphins lost to the Green Bay Packers. It is the second time this season the 24-year-old quarterback has landed in the concussion protocol.

It also comes several months after he was in the spotlight for apparent head injuries and the league and the players’ union agreed to update the protocol – the NFL’s policies for assessing and caring for players who sustain a concussion.

McDaniel said Monday afternoon that he had only found out “a couple hours ago” that Tagovailoa displayed concussion symptoms and had been placed in the league’s protocol by medical staff. He could not pinpoint a moment in Sunday’s game where Tagovailoa might have been injured.

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It is unclear if Tagovailoa will be available to play this week against the New England Patriots, the coach said.

The NFL and its players union agreed to update its concussion protocols following a high-profile incident involving Tua Tagovailoa.

Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

NFL and players union agree to updated concussion protocol

“I care very deeply about each and every player,” McDaniel said. “I take that seriously, so I just want him to get healthy and have peace of mind in that regard. That’s first and foremost, and then whatever the circumstances are after, you deal with after. It’s about the human being and making sure he’s squared away. ”

Tagovailoa showed “nothing that would have triggered” the league’s concussion protocol from Sunday’s game against the Packers, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said in an interview that aired Tuesday on NFL Network.

“What our spotters and our unaffiliated neuro(logy) doctors are looking for is any blow that transmits force to the head or neck area, followed by that injury behavior,” Sills said. “Obviously, if we see any injury behavior, then there’s a call down made to evaluate that player.”

“Also, if a player identifies any symptoms or a teammate, coach, official, anyone else, identifies symptoms, that also initiates a protocol. So, many people can initiate the protocol and in this game on Sunday, none of those factors were present,” he said.

Sills said sometimes a player will report symptoms after the game.

“I think the focus here should be on kudos to the athlete for speaking up, for endorsing those symptoms and recognizing that there was a potential problem,” he said. “And then kudos to the team for immediately acting on that, putting the player in the concussion protocol and, again, behaving in what we would say is a very conservative manner.”

Tagovailoa also was diagnosed with a concussion on September 29 after being sacked in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tagovailoa lay motionless on the field for several minutes before he was placed on a backboard and stretcher. He missed the team’s next two games.

That concussion came several days after Tagovailoa suffered an apparent head injury and was later allowed to continue playing in a game against the Buffalo Bills on September 25.

A concussion is a brain injury that happens after a hit to the head causes the organ to move back and forth inside the skull. But even after the brain itself stops shaking, there can be changes to the organ.

In October, Tagovailoa said he didn’t remember being taken off the field during the September 29 game.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

Eric Espada/Getty Images

Tua Tagovailoa reveals he doesn’t remember being carted off the field after concussion

“Getting carted off – I don’t remember that,” he said. “But I do remember the things that were going on when I was in the ambulance and then when I arrived at the hospital.”

He called the process of going through the protocol stressful.

“But all of it is done for player safety and I’m glad that I got to go through those things to understand more of the deals of concussions, and you know, the effects, long-term, short-term, things like that. I thought it was great I was able to go through that process and get cleared,” Tagovailoa said at the time.

The Dolphins occupy the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC, one game ahead of the Patriots. The Dolphins have two weeks left in their regular season.

CNN’s Jill Martin and Steve Almasy contributed to this report.

FC Barcelona football player who suffered a concussion was discharged from hospital released from hospital – RIA Novosti Sport, 05/11/2022

Barcelona football player who received a concussion was discharged from hospital Twitter Spanish… RIA Novosti Sport, 05/11/2022

2022-05-11T14:51

2022-05-11T14:51

2022-05-11T16:15

football

barcelona

9 0002 ronald araujo

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MOSCOW, May 11 – RIA Novosti. Barcelona footballer Ronald Araujo, who suffered a concussion in the match against Celta, was discharged from the hospital, according to the Spanish club’s official Twitter. and ended with the victory of the hosts with a score of 3: 1. Araujo and his teammate Gavi collided heads in the air, causing the Uruguayan defender to pass out. An ambulance followed him onto the field, he was hospitalized. On Thursday, the football player successfully passed a new examination, the results of which he was discharged from. The timing of the return of Araujo to the games will be determined later.

https://rsport.ria.ru/20220511/araukho-1787812352.html

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Barcelona, ​​Ronald Araujo

Football, Barcelona, ​​Ronald Araujo

9 0002 MOSCOW, May 11 – RIA News. Footballer “Barcelona” Ronald Araujo, who received a concussion in the match against “Celta”, was discharged from the hospital, according to the official Twitter of the Spanish club.

The meeting of the 36th round of the championship of Spain between Barcelona and Celta was held on Tuesday at the Camp Nou and ended with a 3-1 victory for the hosts. Araujo and his teammate Gavi collided heads in the air, causing the Uruguayan defender to pass out. An ambulance followed him onto the field and he was hospitalized.

On Thursday, the footballer successfully passed a new examination, according to the results of which he was discharged. The timing of the return of Araujo to the games will be determined later.

Barcelona defender Araujo was hospitalized during the match against Celta Vigo

11 May 2022, 00:37

Extra substitution due to concussions in the Premier League. Former footballers more likely to suffer from dementia – Zeitgeist – Blogs

At the end of December, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which regulates the rules of football, announced that it would soon start testing additional substitutions due to concussions.

The first league with the new rules will be the Premier League, with additional substitutions starting from 6 February. According to The Athletic, the innovation must be approved by the IFAB, but this is just a formality.

• Teams receive two additional substitutions in case of concussion – these can be used after the three regular . The substitution is irreversible, the player will not be able to return to the field if the concussion is not confirmed.

• Former Russia and Spartak team doctor Yuri Vasilkov was worried that teams would use these substitutions to get an extra permutation.

“Tricks may begin: they will strengthen the team with a fresh player, they will find a person who can successfully lie to the doctor. Teams will be in unequal conditions. A strong concussion is immediately visible – a person is sent to an ambulance. And the easy is more difficult, ”Vasilkov said.

In England, they thought about this too: if the team has replaced a player due to injury, then the opponent will have the opportunity to make their own replacement .

• In the Premier League, the rule will come into effect on 6 February with Aston Villa v Arsenal as the first leg. The innovation will also be tested in the FA Cup (from the 5th round) and women’s leagues (from February 6).

Additional substitutions will run until the end of this season and may be extended into the 2021/22 season.

•‎ The need for innovation was raised after the death of the world champions-1966 Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles both have been diagnosed with dementia. In early November, the same diagnosis was made for Bobby Charlton. The illness was told with the permission of Norma’s wife; she also expressed the hope that the sad news will be the impetus for the study of dementia as an occupational disease of football players.

Dementia is a disease in which the cognitive abilities of the patient are impaired. Dementia causes a gradual deterioration in memory, mental abilities, the ability to navigate in time and space, and the ability to recognize people and objects.

• University of Glasgow researchers examined the medical records and causes of death of 7,676 professional ex-football players who played between 1900 and 1976 and 23,000 male non-athletes. According to the study, former football players are 3.5 times more likely to suffer from dementia and diseases of the nervous system . And that’s not all: 2 times the risk of Parkinson’s disease, 4 times the risk of Lou Gehrig, 5 times the risk of Alzheimer’s.

The results are already in: in addition to the introduction of substitutions, a charity event was held on January 15 to raise funds for the study of the disease – Alex Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish and Gareth Southgate participated.

• Sports doctors and neurologists have long been demanding additional substitutions and tougher rules for fouls involving hits to the head. Following the clash between David Luiz and Raul Jiménez, the director of the Brain Injury Association, Luke Griggs, reiterated the danger of such injuries: they are removed when it becomes clear that they are unable to continue the game. That is why football urgently needs temporary replacements in case of a concussion.

You just can’t risk an injury like that. Another blow to the head during a concussion can have serious consequences. If the substitution rule was in effect, would Louise (also injured in the collision with Jimenez) be allowed to return to the field? Perhaps the extra time in the treatment room will lead to a different decision?

The protocol clearly states that any person with a suspected concussion should be immediately suspended from the game, but at the same time the sport continues to take a different approach to head injuries . Again and again we see that this rhetoric is not backed up by action. This can not continue like this. How many warnings does football need?

• Jan Vertonghen reveals the seriousness of the concussion: in December, the Belgian admitted that he had been playing with symptoms for more than six months. In the Champions League semi-final against Ajax, the defender collided with Alderweireld and broke his nose. Vertonghen was allowed to return to the game, but he immediately asked for a replacement.