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The NFL has always been among the most popular sports in the world thanks to its bone crushing, heavy hitting style of play, often leaving players on the ground, unconscious. The same style of play that has made football the most watched sport in the United States is also the cause of severe and deadly traumatic brain injuries that can be life threatening or life altering for many players. In recent months the NFL, politicians, and private groups have been doing all they can to tackle the issue of brain injuries and their connection to professional sports.
The Player's Association of the NFL has recently organized the Mackey-White Traumatic Brain Injury committee in order to raise awareness of the increased number of concussions and brain injuries that have come as the result of sporting accidents. The committee is comprised of former and current players as well as a number of physicians and scientists who specialize in injuries to the brain.
The NFL is not the only organization intent on decreasing the number of brain trauma injuries in sports. The United States Government has stepped in on the issue, as well. Congress recently summoned a group of medical experts, former football players, and NFL executives to Washington D.C. in order to conduct a hearing on the matter. The hearing was called after recent studies revealed that many former NFL players exhibit symptoms related to Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory-related problems at ages much too young to expect these kinds of problems. The purpose of the meeting was to increase awareness of the problem and begin taking steps that might lead to a safer and healthier playing field for football athletes.
It is estimated that more than 300,000 brain injuries occur every year due to sports accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Any type of force on the head should be considered serious and receive immediate attention. If an individual is exposed to repeated brain injuries over an extended period of time, he or she can develop serious mental, neurological, and psychological problems. Football players may experience several mild brain injuries during the course of a short time period, which creates an even greater risk of problems and even death.
Although there has been extensive research into traumatic brain injuries and their relation to football contact, the studies have only recently gained in public notoriety. It is important for all athletes to be aware that there are risks associated with sports and that safety measures should always be used. Even amateur players face the same dangers. Teens involved in football and many other athletic activities are at risk for problems later in life from sports concussions.
If you or your child has suffered a traumatic brain injury from sports and you the injury may be due to the negligence of another, contact our office right away for a free consultation. Traumatic brain injuries can have life-long devastating effects that may require special treatment. It is important to hold negligent parties responsible to help pay for the cost of that treatment.
