2 min read • January 04, 2023
Posted in
Football players are often at risk of concussions. When such is the case, some protocols are in place to ascertain their wellness. When a concussion is confirmed, there is usually a time period within which they have to stay out. So, how long are NFL players out for concussions?
The median time for NFL players to be out for a concussion is nine (9) days. This might extend depending on severity of the injury. Players are only able to resume playing following clearance from the team physician and the Independent Neurological Consultant (INC).
When players get a concussion during the game, they are immediately excused from the match with the aid of medics for a temporary check. If the case is mild, they might be allowed to return to the game. However, if the opposite is the case, they would be completely pulled from the game till they are back to total health.
Concussions can go from a simple headache to memory loss, nausea, fainting spells, speech problems, to even death. Concussions are brain injuries caused by a force that moves the brain from its original position. It can be severely traumatic, affecting the brain’s normal functioning, and must be taken seriously.
Mild concussions might only involve short-term memory loss, disorientation, ringing in the ears, headache, and dizziness, which would clear up in a few days. However, severe concussions are long-lasting and can cause permanent brain damage if not treated properly. With proper treatment for a few weeks, they improve and subside.
Immediate evacuation and checkups are required regardless of how severe the concussion seems. Proper rest is necessary, and avoiding a second incident is even more important to avoid severe consequences.
Some concussions last for about five minutes before they disappear. Others, however, are a different case. They may last for weeks or months, and sometimes they become permanent.
Severe concussions can lead to the following:
Permanent brain damage
Dementia
Parkinson’s disease: repetitive concussions increase a player’s risk of Parkinson’s disease by 57%. The disease affects the body’s movement and causes balance problems, stiffness, and tumors.
Alzheimer’s disease: causes complete memory loss and other mental issues. Brain cells also degenerate and die.
Insomnia
Smell or taste dysfunction
Death
Repetitive brain damage could also lead to (CTE) Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Other symptoms include personality changes, anxiety, mood swings, aggression, apathy, suicidal ideation, and reoccurring headaches.
Complete and thorough checkups for the player would go on in a convenient environment by medics. They would look for symptoms like seizures, repetitive vomiting, dizziness, weakness, fainting, and disorientation. When they determine that the player is unsafe to return to the game, procedures are in place to get the said player to total health.
The procedure comprises:
Sideline survey: to check concussed players for “no-go” symptoms.
Locker room examination: Professionals like team physicians and certified athletic trainers will complete a sports concussion assessment and a neurological exam.
A couple of days of necessary mental and physical rest.
A few thinking exercises like pleasure reading, short walks, drinking lots of water, watching TV for a limited time, dietary changes, and listening to music.
Prescription medications might be administered to combat pain and nausea.
Upper cervical care to combat concussions, chiropractic care, and lifestyle changes.
Football specific exercises
Non-contact training drills
A few simple cardiovascular exercises and therapy might be advised under supervision.
Full training no holdbacks
After symptoms subside, the doctor will give the clearance for the player to return to action. Here, the player has been returned to the pre-injury stage and can now perform properly at peak athletic form.
These and more are the precautions set in place before any game:
Education or awareness of the players to the severity of concussions
Safety gear like helmets, mouth guards, and shin guards should be worn appropriately
Avoiding illegal and unnecessary contact during practice.
Avoiding full-speed head-on blocking or tackles
Skilled trainers to incorporate safety in the drills.
Certified medical practitioners are on standby at both practices and games.
Safety game rules and regulations are enforced to ensure fair play.
Game administrators ensure the field is safe from hazards or other tripping agents.
Equipment is of top quality and hazard-free.
The NFL also incorporated game-day concussion protocols that players must follow after a concussion. It will ascertain if they can continue playing or have to stay back for further treatments.
A team of 30 healthcare experts will be situated at the stadium for standby medical assistance of players. Also, the NFL collaborates with experts to extend research on preventing, diagnosing, and treating concussions. Finally, the NFL made safety rules that reduced concussion rates by 25%.
Severe or repetitive concussion and cause permanent brain or skull damage. It can cause the brain to work abnormally, giving off debilitating symptoms and may even lead to death.
Players who experience mild concussions naturally notice their symptoms will disappear in a few minutes or days. However, players with severe concussions take longer, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Some have long-term effects which continue to disturb their daily lives.
Brain or cognitive rest speeds up the recovery rate, reduces pain, alleviates worse symptoms, clears the foggy mind, reduces anxiety, and lets the brain rest to read properly. Rest also helps reduce your chances of having a second impact syndrome, brain swelling, or herniation.
Players have healthcare professionals armed to the tooth for their care. At any sighting of a concussion or other sports injuries, they would be immediately evacuated for emergency care. The NFL continues to put safety measures in place to make the field safer for games and fun.
Written by
