Concussions in the Nfl

Concussions In The NFL

The Problem

* A hit or a bolt to the head ultimately causes a concussion, which is classified as a traumatic brain injury.

* Concussions can also be caused by an excessive blow to the body that causes a person’s head to move back and forth, which causes the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull.

* Concussions within the National Football League have become a serious health risk due to the fact that athletes were playing in games before their concussions had completely healed, which puts athletes vulnerable to increased injury.

* Many retired NFL football players have suffered memory and cognitive issues, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and depression.

Indicators of Concussions

* During the 2012 NFL football season, there were 265 concussions reported.

* From the 2010 season to the 2012 season, the amount of concussions per season only decreased from 270 to 265.

* In the 2012, players who suffered concussions have been linked to severe memory loss, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and player suicide.

* Mike Webster’s death in 2002 was the first to relate concussions in the NFL with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and death.

* In 2012, autopsies of Ray Easterling and Junior Seau both showed evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

* This concerning evidence led to relation of concussions and deaths for several more NFL players.

* Chris Henry, a former Cincinnati Bengals football player, had an autopsy that revealed signs of neurofibrillary tangles related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which arise from multiple injuries to the head.

* A class action lawsuit was filed against the NFL and the former players who received concussions during their time in the NFL received a $765 million settlement.

* The settlement is to be used for medical examinations, concussion-related compensation, and medical research for retired NFL players.

Risk...