Essay On Concussions

Concussions: Most Common Type of Traumatic Brain Injury

How many teens and adults have ever experienced physical contact during a sport or in their daily lives? Slight dizziness, severe headache, and even loss of balance are simple signs all people need to be aware of. A concussion is one of the most common types of a traumatic brain injury today. Individuals who suffer from this type of injury can have life long effects, consequences, and health risks that can be debilitating. Thus, concussions can have various causes and deadly effects. With proper prevention and treatment victims can go on to live a fulfilled life.

First, a concussion is a temporary loss of brain function caused by a blow to the head. It is not associated with
Just to name a few, not wearing gear correctly, hitting a head on an object, and motor vehicle accidents all can cause a concussion. During sports, it is extremely significant that equipment is worn the right way. In the event of automobile accidents, not buckling the seatbelt can result in someone colliding with the steering wheel, windshield, or dashboard. Also, a lack of exercise can play a role in getting a concussion. Exercise strengthens legs which ultimately results in better balance (Treatment and Drugs 2). The leading sports/recreational activities with the most concussions received by the athlete are cycling, boxing, football, wrestling, and baseball/softball. In the span of a lifetime, men are more prone to a concussion, but throughout the age of one to fifteen, men and women have an equal chance. In between the ages of sixteen and sixty-four, men have a higher chance of sustaining a concussion due to physical jobs and athletics. Men and women once again have an equal chance from age sixty-five and up. During infancy, infants can get shaken baby syndrome. This is caused by forcefully shaking a baby and is extremely harmful. Infants can also get concussions from falls and motor vehicle accidents. Children can obtain traumatic brain injuries from domestic violence, automobile accidents, being struck by a vehicle, or even roller coasters. Amusement park rides can give adolescents concussions because
Reduced memory performance, bradykinesia (slow movement), depression, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, language problems, attention problems, and concentration problems are all long lasting effects from a concussion (Concussion 1) (Wakowiak 16) (Roberts Stoler and Albers Hill 203-238). Most of these effects come from ongoing concussions or numerous injuries in a short amount of time. They are not common to individuals who have only had one or two with a significant time in between them. There are many possible solutions being created to try and stop the amount of concussions occurring. One solution that is being developed is a transmitter that can determine if someone has a concussion in twelve minutes with earbuds. It is being developed by the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center. The transmitter could be approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2017 (Just Reading This Will Make a Your Head Hurt 30). Another solution is brain research. Many NFL players have donated their brains after they passed away and they are being used for experimentation. Usually, the players that donate are ones that have had ongoing concussions throughout their careers. Former New York Giants punter, Steve Weatherford, has committed to donating his brain after he passes away. Hopefully, with all of the research and new gadgets being created, the rate of concussions