Due to the growing link between brain trauma on the football field and CTE, a number of living former NFL players decided that, upon death, they would donate their brains to Boston University School of Medicine. This pact of players was titled the 88 Plan, named after former NFL star John Mackey’s jersey number. Mackey was suffering from severe dementia. It is not possible to determine the underlying disease which causes dementia from a living brain. The pact’s players hope that the resulting research will serve as a wake-up call that radical change is needed in football to protect the millions of adults and children playing the game.

Later in 2009, the National Football League was accused in front of the House Judiciary Committee of neglect in its handling of active and retired players with brain injuries. It was reported that there was mounting evidence of a link between playing football and cognitive impairment, such as dementia later in life. The long term effects of the game of football on player’s health was discussed. One representative said there should be federal scrutiny of football, particularly because the impact of injuries on the millions of players at the college, high school and youth levels.

More than one million youngsters play high school football every fall, with hundreds seriously injured by concussions due to the young player not understanding the risks or playing despite their pain to mirror their N.F.L. heroes.

Since the House Judiciary Committee hearing, the NFL has instituted stricter return-to-play guidelines for players showing concussion symptoms; required each team to enlist an independent neurologist as an adviser; entered into a partnership with Boston University brain researchers who have been critical of the league’s stance on concussions; and conducted tests on helmets. The recently updated guideline prevent athletes from returning to a game after sustaining a head injury. The NFL’s change of policy, in addition to high profile brain injuries sustained by Olympic athletes, has recently highlighted the risk of permanent damage from a head injury.

The Mackey-White Traumatic Brain Injury Committee was formed by the NFL Players Association and includes professional athletes, past and current NFL players, doctors and researchers. The purpose of the group is to open a dialogue on brain injuries in professional football, discuss the latest research and begin developing recommendations to keep players safer. The first committee meeting was held in January 2010.

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For more information on Traumatic Brain Injury.

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If a child is sitting in a seat without a booster seat, the shoulder strap is apt to fit incorrectly allowing the child to slip forward and hit something in the event of a car accident. Many times this slippage causes serious brain injuries to the child. The lap belt is also more likely to rise up over the child’s pelvis causing internal damage.

When using a booster seat, its also important to utilize the following 2 steps to maximize effectiveness.

1. Ensure the lap belt part of the seat belt goes under the arm rest.

2. If the booster seat has a back, ensure the shoulder strap of the seat belt is correctly looped through the top of the seat back.

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Rozek Law Offices, SC has experiencing representing children that have been injured in car accidents. If your child has been injured in an accident, please be sure to contact an experienced Wisconsin Car Accident Attorney.

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Many times, a concussion follows a few seconds of loss of consciousness; however, loss of consciousness is not necessary. Many times, a concussion does not result in damage to the brain and in most instances, does not result in any visible damage to the skull;  however, a blow to the head that causes loss of consciousness may severely shake the brain causing brain damage without leaving signs of external injury.

Force will often bruise the brain causing the death of some of the brain cells in the injured area. Concussions are known to cause internal swelling of the brain. Since the brain cannot escape the rigid confines of the skull, swelling can compress the brain and its blood vessels and limit the flow of blood. Without adequate blood flow, the brain does not receive the necessary flow of oxygen. Brain swelling after a concussion has the potential to increase the severity of the injury. Neurosurgeons and other brain injury experts emphasize that although some concussions are less serious than others, there is no such thing as a “minor concussion.” In most cases a single concussion should not cause permanent damage. A second concussion soon after the first one, however, does not have to be very strong for its effects to be deadly or permanently disabling.

No matter how the individual is feeling after the incident, all concussion victims need to treat their injury seriously and see a doctor.

Mild injuries to the brain like concussions may not be observable in routine neurological examinations. Diagnostic tests will typically not show any changes. Therefore, diagnosis is based on the nature of the incident and the presence of specific symptoms.

One of the symptoms are Post Concussion Headaches (often known as post-traumatic headaches) that steadily increase in frequency and/or severity, over time. Post-concussion headaches are a common lasting side effect. The standard treatment for concussion is rest. For headaches, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken. Post concussion headaches are often resistant to stronger narcotic-based medications. Other actions that a concussion victim can do following an accident and concussion injury are as follows:

1. Immediately see your doctor and explain your headache symptoms, specifically indicating the frequency and severity with which they occur.

2. Place yourself in a dimly lit, quiet environment as much as possible.

3. Moisten a washcloth with cool water and place it on the forehead and temples.

4. Rest more.

5. Drink a lot of water.

6. Return to normal activity levels only once symptoms are completely gone, and you have remained symptom free for a period identified by your doctor (generally at least 1 week).

The medical profession has found no relationship between the severity of the trauma and the severity and permanency of the post concussion headache. If post concussion headaches are still being experienced consistently after 6-12 months post-accident, they are most likely permanent in nature.

If you are experiencing post concussion headaches, it is critical for you to track the intensity, duration and frequency of the headaches. This information is critical to your physician in properly diagnosing and treating your condition. Download the Post Concussion Headache Journal. This information is also invaluable to your personal injury case. Accurate recording of post-traumatic headaches will allow your attorney to chart out the frequency of your headaches and demonstrate to the jury just how significant the headache condition is for the injury victim.

If you or a loved one suffer from post concussion headaches due to the negligence of another, be sure to contact an experienced Wisconsin Concussion Attorney.

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Question:

I made him sit out for 5 minutes but then thought he would be ok and let him go back in. Later that afternoon, at home, he began feeling nauseous and vomited. Should I bring him to the ER?

Answer: Yes. He may have a concussion and its it’s important to take proper steps if you suspect a concussion; it can be serious. The signs of concussion are not always well recognized. Because of that, many people put themselves at risk for serious injury by returning to a game before they should, thinking nothing is wrong.

Although you may think of a concussion as someone passing out, a person can have a concussion and never lose consciousness. Symptoms of a concussion may include:

• feeling dazed or lightheaded
• memory loss
• nausea or vomiting
• headaches
• blurred vision
• slurred speech
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• difficulty with coordination
• feeling irritable for no apparent reason
• feeling tired for no apparent reason

Since you stated that your son is experiencing at least 1-2 of the symptoms above, it is best to take him to see a doctor. There are 2 types of concussions and the doctor will be the best person to explain these to you.

Make sure your son takes it easy and does not participate in any sporting activities or other activities that could exert force to the head. If the brain hasn’t healed properly from a concussion and he gets another brain injury (even if it’s with less force), it can be serious. Repeated injury to the brain can lead to swelling, and sometimes develop into long-term disabilities, or even be fatal, as a result.

If you or a loved one has experienced a concussion due to an accident or the negligence of another, please contact an experienced Milwaukee, Wisconsin Concussion Attorney.

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Contrary to popular belief, most concussions do not involve loss of consciousness. A concussion is typically caused by a blow or jolt to the head; however, a person can sustain a concussion even if they do not hit their head. An indirect impact elsewhere on the body can signal an impulsive force to the head and cause a concussion. Although you can not see a concussion, you may notice some of the symptoms right away or they may take weeks or months to appear.

Symptoms include: Nausea; Dizziness; Double Vision Sensitivity to Light; Headache; Tired or Foggy; Confusion; and Trouble Concentrating and/or Remembering.

Many times, a concussion is followed by glassy eyes and a person vomiting. Concussions typically do not show up on MRIs and CAT Scans, therefore, it is imperative to monitor yourself or a loved one and pay attention to the various symptoms following a forceful impact to the head or other part of the body.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, of the 1.4 million traumatic brain injuries sustained in the United States each year, at least 75% are concussions. Among children ages 5-18, the 5 leading activities which account for concussions include bicycling, football, playground activities, and soccer.

If you or a family member has sustained a concussion due to an accident by a potential negligent party, it is important to contact an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney who can help you get the proper treatment and recover your past and on-going, related medical expenses.

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