The document discusses the history of concussions in the NFL including what a concussion is, its short and long term effects, and how the NFL has addressed the issue over time. It provides details on regulations implemented by the NFL in 2013 in response to lawsuits around concussions as well as technological advances aimed at detecting and reducing concussions through improved helmets and sensors. The document recommends continued rule changes to make the game safer, implementing new technologies, and changing attitudes around concussions.
More common in younger players (youth to high school)Always a catastrophic injuryWhen you get hit again before first brain injury healsDeath or severe brain injury
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopath -- Progressive degeneration of the brain tissue & buildup of abnormal protein, tauimages of brain sections showing the buildup of the protein Tau, identified by yellow sectionsFound in NFL players post-mortemLeads to early onset of Alzheimers, etc.Ex. John Grimsley—linebacker for NFL who was diagnosed with CTE after his death in 2008
Led to demise of helmet makers
1994: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee June 1996: NFL memo to playersProCap identified weaknesses of Riddell helmetsUse of ProCap was discouraged
Recent regulations– coming together!
Lystedt Law: in 2009 Governor Christine Gregoire signed the Lystedt Law. 1. To immediately remove from play any athlete who sustains a concussion or who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with the injury.2. To only allow those athletes to return to physical activity after receiving written clearance from a health care provider trained in concussion management.3. To require parents to read information on concussion risks and sign an acknowledgement form prior to allowing their child to play a contact sport. 4. To mandate educational outreach to athletes, parents, and coaches.
