The concussion throughout the years has dynamically metamorphosed to be a more serious prognosis, and it can be concluded that from the political battles, expanded research studies, and advancing treatment- that the concussion that stands today is far from what it was twenty- five years ago. Diving deep into the definitions, lawsuits, and medical research will facade a new realization of how impacts impact the brain.
Concussion Overview
A concussion is defined as a “mild traumatic brain injury” (coined by the ATA in 2014), but in reality the word is the broadest spectrum-term …show more content…
The best treatment for a concussion is sleep, specifically deep rapid eye movement sessions (REM). REM sessions are the stage of sleep in which the brain heals, resets, and calms. Overactive brains, especially when damaged, are deadly. Previously, it was thought that a concussive brain would die in REM sessions; however, research disproved the claim. Further treatments include refraining from electronics, light, and anticoagulant painkillers.
Return to play protocol- Possibly the most important step, return to play protocol is vital in the healing process. Returning to play while still damaged could open doors for secondary impact syndrome or the buildup of tau proteins (if highly severe). Tau proteins cannot be seen in a CT scan,-only with rare radioactive tracer devices; therefore, players must be highly cautious in returning, for they can't track CTE progression. Now, some return to play procedures differ, but most stick to a similar regiment of steps that you must pass (after 24 hours of r&r), as following;
Symptom limited exercise- memory, cognitive, cycling. Any small exercise or brain practice that does not affect the