The Dangers Of Concussions In Football

Concussions are a major issue in football today. Many things are being done to prevent them, but some people don't think it is enough. New helmets are being made for concussion prevention, and the NFL is creating new rule changes to protect the players. There is also a lot of medical research being done on the topic of brain injuries.

Concussions are caused by a hard hit to the head or the area around the head. Even though they are creating new helmets, the NOCSAE test that they have tests the helmets against skull fractures not concussions ( Polnerow, Dan). Some of the symptoms of a concussion are headache, memory loss, and dizziness. If you are diagnosed with a concussion the doctor will usually tell you to take Tylenol and get some rest. If it is a severe concussion you may have to go through rehabilitation to recover from your injury.

The NFL has added new rules to help protect defenseless players.

The rule states that “No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown of his helmet.” If a player breaks this rule they are ejected from the game. The NFL also says that players can't jump off the ground to hit another player in the head. Another rule change is that “during field goal and extra-point attempts, the defense cannot position any player on the line directly across from the snapper.”(“New NFL Rules Designed to Limit Head Injuries”). This rule applies to defenseless players, which are receivers, quarterbacks, stopped ball carriers, kick returners, kickers, and people obviously out of the play (Redding,

Rogers).
The NFL also has a strict return to play policy. It has five steps that must be passed before a player can be returned to the game. In the first step they have to rest and avoid electronics until their symptoms return to normal. Second, is light cardio, stretching, and balance training. The third step is to increase the intensity of step two. On the fourth step the player is allowed to do non-contact football activities. Finally, step five is a full contact practice. If on any these steps they have concussion symptoms they must return to the previous step ( ). This policy must be followed by all NFL players who have had a concussion.
Concussions cause serious brain diseases such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE. CTE is found in people who have had repetitive brain injuries throughout their life. It is a degeneration of the tissue inside of the person's brain. This disease can cause memory loss, confusion, aggression, depression, and dementia ( “What Is CTE? CTE Center, Boston University”). Concussions also increase your chance of having a stroke by nearly 30% ( Shute, Nancy).
Concussions in football are an issue no matter what level you play at. In 2014 the NFL had about 202 recorded concussions. College football has had an average of 1,360 concussions a year ( Bob Beaudine), and high school has nearly 1,786,000 concussions a year (“Head Case - complete concussion management). Concussions are a major risk in football, but doctors and the NFL are both doing their part to help make the game safer.
Concussions will always be a major risk when playing football, but with new prevention techniques we can make them a lot less common. Between new helmets, rules, and medical research the game of football could become a lot safer. There is still a lot we can learn about concussions and brain injuries, but preventing them is a major step in the right direction.