Concussions in Sports - Protecting the Players
The human brain, although encased by a heavy duty cranium, isn't designed for football. Helmets do a nice job of protecting the exterior of the head and preventing deadly skull fractures, but concussions occur within the cranium when the brain bangs against the skull. Short-term effects of a head injury, which depending upon the severity of the injury, may be debilitating, include headaches, sensitivity to light and confusion. Dementia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and depression are possible long-term consequences of repetitive head injuries. This book examines efforts to protect football players from concussions; explores the legal issues relating to football head injuries and the impact of concussions on high school athletes.