In the United States, about three-million Americans receive concussions every year (DoSomething.org). This number is rising and something should be done to lower the risk. Studies are being done that show that concussions are causing irreversible brain damage and harmful long-term effects. Because of the unknown long-lasting effects, coaches should take precautionary steps to maintain a safe and concussion-free sporting venue. Concussions are trauma-induced alterations in mental status that may or may not be accompanied by loss of consciousness. The brain floats freely inside the skull and is delicate like jello. Sudden or unexpected movement causes the brain to slide back and forth and jam against the skull. Concussions cause cognitive damage,
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The current guidelines in the N.F.L. are being altered to be more cautious about this sensitive subject. The current guideline in the N.F.L. is that as long as symptoms occur the player cannot be allowed to return to play. Professional athletes have been finding ways to still play through concussions, and the idea of this has spread down to amateur athletes. Amateur athletes up to the high school level should be managed carefully, because evidence shows that this age group takes longer to recover. There is a list of steps that should be taken on the road to recovery. Immediate action is necessary directly after the trauma. An athlete with a suspected concussion should be taken out of the game and not allowed return until the symptoms disperse. Prevention of a second impact is extremely important. There are seventeen registered deaths with clear evidence relating to a second impact (Collins, Lovell, Mckeag). Next, the athlete should see a specialist and be examined for the depth of cognitive impairment. The athlete should slowly return to practices, and then games. Mild concussions are sometimes taken lightly and not treated correctly which can lead to long-term effects. If concussions are not taken serious, it will be detrimental. N.F.L. retirees reported diagnoses of dementia at several times the rate of the average population
The current guidelines in the N.F.L. are being altered to be more cautious about this sensitive subject. The current guideline in the N.F.L. is that as long as symptoms occur the player cannot be allowed to return to play. Professional athletes have been finding ways to still play through concussions, and the idea of this has spread down to amateur athletes. Amateur athletes up to the high school level should be managed carefully, because evidence shows that this age group takes longer to recover. There is a list of steps that should be taken on the road to recovery. Immediate action is necessary directly after the trauma. An athlete with a suspected concussion should be taken out of the game and not allowed return until the symptoms disperse. Prevention of a second impact is extremely important. There are seventeen registered deaths with clear evidence relating to a second impact (Collins, Lovell, Mckeag). Next, the athlete should see a specialist and be examined for the depth of cognitive impairment. The athlete should slowly return to practices, and then games. Mild concussions are sometimes taken lightly and not treated correctly which can lead to long-term effects. If concussions are not taken serious, it will be detrimental. N.F.L. retirees reported diagnoses of dementia at several times the rate of the average population