Western Pennsylvania is crazy about high school football – affectionately known in this corner of the universe as “Friday Night Lights.” And fans of high school football, as well as parents and coaches of players, know that the sport is rough and tumble, and injuries are not at all uncommon. While a tweaked hamstring or a hyperextended knee can sideline even the best player, some of the most concerning injuries involve concussions, and concussions, when severe and/or not treated properly, can lead to traumatic brain injuries. For those who aren’t familiar with the common gridiron injury: A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head, or even by a body injury that forces the head to jerk back and forth. Concussions can be mild or severe, and when severe, can interrupt brain function. In some cases, concussions can lead to a traumatic brain injury that can spur short-term or even lifelong disability. According to the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania:
- There are an estimated 3.8 million sports-related and recreation-related concussions reported in the United States each year.
- Of those 3.8 million concussions, about 156,000 happen in the state of Pennsylvania each year.
- In organized high school sports, football accounts for the majority of concussions – more than 60 percent of them.
- Repeat concussions that happen before the first is fully healed can lead to traumatic brain injury, brain swelling, permanent brain damage and in some cases, even death.
- Required student athletes and their parents to sign a concussion and traumatic brain injury information sheet
- Required coaches to take an annual concussion management certification training course
- Required coaches to take students who show signs of having a concussion or traumatic brain injury from the field of play
- Required student athletes who suffered a traumatic brain injury/concussion to be medically cleared before returning to the game
- Physical impairments (such as headaches, speech or vision problems, fatigue, muscle spasms, and, in some cases, paralysis.
- Cognitive impairments (such as short-term memory loss, impaired concentration, limited attention span, judgement and communication skills, and slowed thinking).
- Emotional impairments (such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, lowered self-esteem and more).