5 Concerns About American Football And Traumatic Brain Injury
Over the past several years, more and more evidence has emerged suggesting that American football can cause serious brain damage. For people who play throughout high school, then go on to college or professional teams, the risk of head injury is huge. Some studies have even linked repeated concussions to serious issues, such as dementia and personality changes, long after playing years are over.
1. Even without concussions, the brain is still altered
A study done testing football players’ brains with MRI scans before and after one season of playing found that even those without concussions still had changes in their brain structure. The constant hitting can cause the head to move around inside the helmet. Over several weeks, as the brain is jostled, even just a little from small hits, against the sides of the skull, the thalamus and brain stem are affected. These are structures inside the brain that regulate basic human functions. Over a career, or even a few seasons, the damage done to these two important parts of the brain can cause issues in the future.
2. Concussions aren’t always short-term
When someone gets a concussion, they may show physical signs, such as vomiting, dizziness, light sensitivty, or slurred speech. After a few days of rest though, a doctor will likely approve them to continue with normal daily life. One minor or moderate concussion over a lifetime is probably fine, but repeated ones over many years can permanently alter the brain. Professional football players are sometimes found to have issues with memory loss or personality changes, which researchers believe are a result of sustaining concussions during their career. In fact, studies done on football players show a correlation between concussions and increased risk of dementia.
3. Serious injuries can cause CTE
CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is shown to be more common in athletes who play contact sports than the general population. CTE is a condition that often results in changes in personality, such as increased aggression, depression, and rash decision making. Some athletes with CTE have committed murder or suicide because of how drastically their brain was altered after injuries. For example, Aaron Hernandez, a former NFL player, committed suicide after being convicted of murder. When an autopsy was performed, his brain showed signs of CTE, which may have been why he committed the crimes that he did.
4. Improper helmets can lead to increased risk of head injury
Football helmets are made to protect the head and neck, but sometimes they aren’t as effective as they should be. If a helmet is left in the heat, is old and used, or does not fit properly, an athlete taking a hit might be doing more damage with the helmet on. If the helmet is too big, the head can rattle around inside, which can shake the brain and cause serious injury. A player should always check for damage to the helmet as well as the “meets NOCSAE standard,” label to ensure that the helmet is good quality and will help prevent brain damage.
5. More children are sustaining brain imjuries
Football has always been a hugely popular sport in America, but more recently, kids have started as young as five or six years old with club teams. Although at that young of an age, most children aren’t strong enough to do serious damage, the early exposure to repeated hitting can result in serious brain issues. Brains don’t stop developing until around 25, so concussions in elementary and middle school can cause memory, learning, and development issues. Many parents are now realizing how dangerous football can be, and are not allowing their young kids to play to try to protect their brains for as long as possible.
Although football is a classic American sport, it’s likely that due to the recent evidence, it will become more restricted and less popular. Of course, some aspects of playing football are beneficial. Athletes can learn to work with a team, improve their cardio and coordination, and go on to become a professional. Is it worth it though if it means damage to the most advanced organ in the body?