Concussions and the severity of these injuries have been taking up much of the news lately, and now doctors are calling for even more changes to the rules governing concussions as more evidence is showing that they have an even more severe toll on athletes than previously believed.
The November issue of Neurosurg Focus featured a study that found concussions to be seven times more common in athletes in their late teens and twenties than was previously believed. In many cases, these injuries are not being taken seriously and as a result, not being properly treated.
“These numbers are my patients,” said Paul Echlin, a sports medicine physician and the lead author of the study in Neurosurg Focus. “They’re human beings and should be respected as such…Why are we exposing young athletes to danger and not asking the questions? It’s everyone’s responsibility.”
Concussions are an injury that results from the brain being shaken inside the skull, and the effects can range from mood swings to memory loss to splitting headaches.
On Monday, the American Academy of Neurology issued a statement that said any athlete who had a concussion or a suspected concussion should be taken off the field of play immediately and not permitted to return until he or she had received a thorough assessment from a qualified doctor. On the same day, the magazine Sports Illustrated ran a feature in a special issue focused on the frequent occurrence of injury in the National Football League, specifically on the frightening effects of head injuries to its players.
Experts agree that a multi-pronged approach to the fighting the problem is what is needed; things will not get better from just a simple change.
“I think helmets are a pretty minor part of the total solution,” said Robert Cantu, a concussions expert. I really think education and rule changes is where you’re going to get the greatest amount of good occurring.”
One particular change that is needed is in the mentality of athletes to get back on the field as soon as possible, even after a serious injury.
“It’s a culture, it’s a mentality to suck it up,” said Kevin Madigan, whose son Brad suffered a concussion during a hockey game. “Unfortunately, it has consequences.”
