Brain Injury On The Football Field

Posted by rozeklawoffice on April 12, 2010 under Child Injuries, Mild Brain Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury | Be the First to Comment

In January 2009, leading medical experts at the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) reported that a 9 year NFL veteran was suffering from a degenerative brain disease (also known as CTE) caused by head trauma, when he died at the age of 45. In addition, the CSTE discovered early evidence the same disease in a recently deceased 18 year old boy who suffered multiple concussions in high school football.

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.