Literature Review 2

Citation:

Geier, David. That's Gotta Hurt: The Injuries That Changed Sports Forever. ForeEdge, 2017.

Summary:

             The beginning of Chapter 7 discusses, Dave Duerson, a talented NFL player and rising politician, who endured quality-of-life altering injuries, during his time playing football. Dave Duerson was a defensive back for the Chicago Bears, a position notorious for head trauma. He experienced countless blows to the head, as well as, concussions, throughout his entire football career. Tragically, Dave Duerson killed himself, but not before he told his ex-wife to “get my brain to the NFL.” During the inspection of Dave Duerson’s brain it was discovered that he suffered from brain trauma, known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, also known as CTE. CTE is brought on from subconcussive hits to the head and has personality-changing affects; loss of memory, irrational behavior, lack of impulse control are all symptoms of CTE. Dr. Omalu, studied the brain of another ex-NFL player, Mike Webster, who had committed suicide. Webster’s also showed indisputable evidence of CTE. Dr. Omalu brought the issue of CTE to national attention, despite the NFLs belittling of the issue. Proving a distinction between causation and correlation of football and hits to the head is the main issue facing CTE.

            It is important for players and doctors to be able to indicate the point of how much brain trauma is too much. No number has been discovered yet that indicates “enough is enough” for concussions. Doctors and players currently use the duration of symptoms a player experiences to recommend retirement. Many retired NFL players are speaking out against the NFL and concussion protocol, as well as, seeking disability for head trauma sustained during play. Players and their families fighting for justice from the league are helping pave the way to a safer future.

            Following CTE being brought to national attention; coaches, players, trainers, and more are all aware of the effects of concussion, as well as, on the look for warning signs.  The NFL and college conferences have begun to place “spotters” in press boxes that report any player that appears to be concussed, or have experienced a hard-hit that could result in concussion. Due to the lesser impact of blows in high school football games, many people do not take the risk of hits as seriously as it should be at even the high school level. Dr. Cantu, co-founder of the CTE Center, recommends that children do not play tackle football until they are at least 14 years of age.

            Football is not the only sport that athletes can undergo CTE causing head trauma. Dr. Cantu also recommends that full-body checking in ice hockey, as well as, soccer players be prohibited from heading the ball until age 14. The key is limiting head trauma and ensuring that players are wearing the appropriate protective gear, even in practice. Head trauma is unavoidable, but there are ways to lessen the potential impact. Parental concern for concussion is causing a drop within youth football participation. Essentially less children playing football, mean less of a talent pool for colleges and the NFL to choose from in the future. The attitude surrounding concussions can eventually cause football to become less profitable. This looming possibility is forcing the NFL to find ways to make the game safer.

            It is extremely beneficial for parents, coaches, and trainers to stress the importance of reporting head injuries to their athletes and wearing the appropriate gear. Players must know the signs and symptoms to watch out for. The practice of denying symptoms can no longer take place, because while helmets may dramatically help reduce the blow of head and body hits, they do not fully-protect against concussion.

Authors:

Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in sports medicine. Dr. Geier is a double-board certified surgeon, as well as an award recipient. He sits on the board of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. According to Dr. David Geier’s website, he provides “education and commentary on sports and exercise injuries, injury treatments and prevention for athletes and active people so you can stay healthy and perform your best.” 

Key Terms:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy- neurodegenerative disease that is caused by repeated head injuries.

Concussion Protocol/Procedure- five-step return-to-play process once a player has been diagnosed with a concussion.

Concussion “Spotters”- placed by the NFL and college conferences in press boxes. Spotters are tasked with watching out for players who could possibly appear concussed and responsible to report any players to the trainers.

Quotes:

“Despite doctors recognizing the dangers of concussions, much of the diagnosis and treatment of athletes’ injuries still relies on the players telling someone they got hurt” (120).

“Even with documented concussions, it can be difficult for players to know when to stop and when a doctor should advise them to retire,” (117).

“While seemingly too big and popular to disappear, football could suffer a gradual death brought about by numerous events,” (124).

Value:

            Chapter 7 in, That's Gotta Hurt: The Injuries That Changed Sports Forever, explains the impact that head trauma can have on players’ lives. CTE is a serious disease that young athletes are at risk of developing. As Dr. Geier discusses, CTE has contributed to football player suicide, tacking on an extremely heavy “cost” to college athletics. While athletes, parents, coaches, and doctors become more aware of just how dangerous concussions can be, there is a greater call for action from leagues and conferences. Understanding just how serious head injuries can be can hopefully encourage athletes to report injury, as well as, coaches and supporting staff encourage injury reporting.