Concussions in Professional Sports Jacob Stiles

Intro What is a concussion? What is a concussion? Concussions by the numbers Concussions by the numbers Concussions in sports Concussions in sports Short and long term side effects Short and long term side effects Prevention Prevention

What is a Concussion A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury “TBI”, it can be caused either by a direct blow to the head, or an indirect blow to the body. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury “TBI”, it can be caused either by a direct blow to the head, or an indirect blow to the body. They are common in contact sports with the highest risk found in those athletes who participate in football. They are common in contact sports with the highest risk found in those athletes who participate in football. (Awan, 2011)

Concussion: By the Numbers 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year. 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year. Soccer is the most common sport with concussion risk for females. Soccer is the most common sport with concussion risk for females. Football is the most common sport with concussion risk for males. Football is the most common sport with concussion risk for males. A professional football player will receive an estimated 900 to 1500 blows to the head during a season. A professional football player will receive an estimated 900 to 1500 blows to the head during a season. (Strickland, 2011)

Concussions in Sports Football Football Boxing Boxing Ice hockey Ice hockey Wrestling Wrestling Gymnastics Gymnastics Lacrosse Lacrosse Soccer Soccer Basketball Basketball (Awan, 2011)

Short Term Effects Short term effects can last for a few hours to a few weeks. Short term effects can last for a few hours to a few weeks. Some physical pains can be, headaches, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, and lightheadedness. Some physical pains can be, headaches, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, and lightheadedness. Some short term emotional changes can be depression, mood swings, frustration, and fear of future harm. Some short term emotional changes can be depression, mood swings, frustration, and fear of future harm. ( Bisnar & Chase, 2012)

Long Term Effects These symptoms can last a few months to many years. These symptoms can last a few months to many years. Some symptoms are long term memory loss, depression, slow movements, and increased possibility of suicide attempts. Some symptoms are long term memory loss, depression, slow movements, and increased possibility of suicide attempts. Junior Seau had many concussions while playing in the NFL. How many concussions? Junior Seau had many concussions while playing in the NFL. How many concussions? Junior Seau’s many concussions resulted in pressure which led to his eventual suicide on May 2, Junior Seau’s many concussions resulted in pressure which led to his eventual suicide on May 2, (Bisnar & Chase, 2012)

Prevention Learning proper playing techniques that emphasize "keeping the head out of the game" is the best defense for prevention. Learning proper playing techniques that emphasize "keeping the head out of the game" is the best defense for prevention. Wear appropriate protective gear during sports and other recreational activities. Wear appropriate protective gear during sports and other recreational activities. Educate athletes and other parents or coaches about concussions. Educate athletes and other parents or coaches about concussions. Monitor the health of the athletes. Monitor the health of the athletes. (Albohm, 2011) (Albohm, 2011)

Conclusion Given the serious nature of a concussion, the growing numbers of cases in sports, and the side effects, the sporting industry needs to reduce the number of concussions that occur during a sporting events.

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