Concussions are dangerous when it comes to sports. It's danger to a person's health and quite possibly, society. It can have different effects on the brain. Such effects include violence and murder. An extreme consequence is suffering from CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).
I was first attracted to this topic with footballer Raphael Varane opening up about his struggles with concussions. Speaking to French outlet, L’Equipe, he urged for more attention be given to this matter. He said that it was a World Cup match against Nigeria that he nearly finished the match unconsciously and believed that he was in no state to speak at that moment (777score.com, 2024).
At present, he tends to suffer from 'micro-concussions' when he makes headers. He was only introduced to the concept by specialists this season. He stresses the need for player safety from overexposure. He acknowledges that there are long term effects from this. He also accepts the risk of CTE (777score.com, 2024).
Sports related concussions can result in both mental and physical symptoms. This can include: inability to concentrate; forgetfulness and dizziness. For many, the duration can be 10 days and don't last more than several months. In some cases, however, concussions can lead to persistent complaints of physical, mental, emotional and behavioural symptoms. This is sometimes referred to as post-concussion syndrome (Nationwide Children's, [n.d.]).
Concussions temporarily impairs the brain from functioning properly. Unfortunately, CT and MRI scans are unable to detect brain damage, such as bruising and bleeding, in concussed patients. Repeat concussions can lead to long-term affects (OrthoInfo, [n.d.]).
With concussions being so dangerous, it's vital to recognise the symptoms. Symptoms may not appear immediately. It may appear almost instantly or it might be delayed for several days. In many cases, concussed people are more emotional than usual. Some symptoms include: drowsiness; headaches; loss of consciousness; memory loss; irritability; confusion; balance problems, dizziness; sensitivity to light (photophobia); difficulty speaking and communicating; difficulty maintaining mental focus; depression; nausea and vomiting and changes in sleep patterns (OrthoInfo, [n.d.])
From my vantage point, concussions are inevitable in sports. The only education that I would suggest is the signs to detect concussions and hence prevent further damage from occuring. Player safety is paramount. Safety measures should be introduced. As stated above, football is starting to address the dangers and issues of concussion. Another way could be eliminating the contact aspect. However, doing this might end the exciting parts of sports.
Reference List
777score.com. 2024. Rapha Varane Opens up About Impact of Concussions on His Body. [online]. Available from: https://777score.com/news/football/565164-rapha-varane-opens-up-about-impact-of-concussions-on-his-body [Accessed: 7 April 2024].
Nationwide Children's. (no date). Concussions in Sports. [online]. Available from: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/concussions-in-sports-article#:~:text=Sports%2Drelated%20concussions%20often%20result,last%20more%20than%20several%20months. [Accessed: 7 April 2024].
OrthoInfo. (no date). Sports concussion. [online]. Available from: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sports-concussion/ [Accessed: 7 April 2024].