Repeated blows to the head are an unfortunate reality for many professional athletes. Sports like football, boxing, hockey, and soccer carry a high risk of concussions and sub-concussive hits. While most athletes recover quickly from individual concussions, the accumulated effects of repetitive head trauma can cause severe and irreversible brain damage. Pennsylvania, home to major professional sports teams like the Steelers, Eagles, and Penguins, sees many pro athletes at risk for this type of neurological decline.
The Dangers of Repetitive Head Impacts
Each concussion causes temporary dysfunction in the brain. Effects like headache, dizziness, and confusion usually go away within days or weeks as the brain heals. But when the hits keep coming, the brain does not have time to fully recover. Over time, the neural pathways become increasingly damaged.
Even sub-concussive blows that don’t cause immediate symptoms can disrupt brain function. The brain moves and twists inside the skull with each impact, causing tearing and shearing of nerve fibers. While a single sub-concussive hit likely causes no permanent harm, the accumulation of thousands of blows over a career puts athletes at risk.
Long-Term Consequences
Several debilitating brain conditions are linked to repetitive head trauma. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) involves a build-up of abnormal tau proteins in the brain, leading to progressive decline in memory, behavior, mood, and motor control. Former NFL players with CTE often struggle with impulse control, depression, and dementia later in life. Famous cases include Aaron Hernandez who died aged 27 and Dave Duerson who died in 2011. One study found 91.7% of former NFL players had CTE.
Post-concussion syndrome involves lingering concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and mental fog for weeks or months after the initial injury. Some athletes forced into early retirement due to post-concussion syndrome include NHL player Keith Primeau and NFL quarterback Steve Young.
Other consequences of repetitive brain trauma include diminished mental acuity, depression, movement disorders, and diseases like Alzheimer’s that appear earlier than normal. While genes and lifestyle choices also play a role, the sheer amount of head impacts puts pro athletes at heightened risk.
Protecting Athletes in Pennsylvania
Steps are being taken to protect pro athletes from unnecessary brain trauma. The NFL has changed the rules to prevent the most dangerous helmet-to-helmet hits. The NHL now mandates neurocognitive testing for players with possible concussions. Other leagues have limited contact practices and implemented stricter concussion protocols.
Still, contact sports will always carry some degree of risk. Pennsylvania pro teams have a duty to minimize head impacts whenever possible. Coaches must teach proper tackling form and penalize dangerous plays. Doctors need to carefully monitor injured athletes before allowing them to return to play. Retired athletes should have access to cognitive testing and long-term care.
While concussions make headlines, even mundane sub-concussive blows can be damaging. Continued education, research, and policy changes are key to ensuring the safety of professional athletes who dedicate their lives to entertaining Pennsylvania fans.
If you believe you might be suffering from brain damage caused by sports, speak with one of our personal injury lawyers for advice on your legal rights.
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