2 min read • January 20, 2023
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The NFL has implemented a concussion protocol to address the issue of concussions in football and to ensure the health and safety of players. The protocol includes steps that must be taken when a player is suspected of having a concussion, including an evaluation and treatment. However, in light of recent events, is the NFL concussion protocol working?
Yes, the NFL concussion protocol is working. It has continually made the game of football safer year after year. The recently reviewed protocol has been credited with increasing awareness about the dangers of concussions and the importance of properly managing them.
Concussions are complex and poorly understood injuries, and many factors contribute to their occurrence. In addition, football is a physically demanding and violent sport, and players are at risk for a variety of other injuries as well. Regardless, the protocol has led to the development of new technologies and techniques for identifying and treating concussions.
The protocol is a set of guidelines by team medical staff and independent neurological consultants to evaluate and manage players who may have suffered a concussion during a game or practice. It includes a series of steps that they must follow to diagnose and treat a concussion properly.
The protocol outlines how to identify players with concussions during gameplay or practice using specific symptoms. It also stipulates the procedures for the following:
Evaluation
Treatment, and
Return
They have to follow the protocol to the letter before the player can resume game activity.
The protocol is designed to ensure that players who may have suffered a concussion receive proper medical care and are not allowed to return to play until they fully recover. The first step in the protocol is to identify and remove the player from the game or practice if they show signs or symptoms of a concussion.
Medical professionals will evaluate them for specific "no-go" symptoms. The player must leave the field if they notice any of these symptoms. These no-go symptoms include:
Impact seizure and fencing response
Loss of consciousness
Gross motor instability
Disorientation, confusion, and amnesia
After the Tua Tagovailoa incident, ataxia, characterized by impaired balance/stability, motor coordination, or defective speech due to a neurological condition, was added to the list of no-go symptoms. The protocol is implemented immediately after these symptoms are noticed, and the affected player must undergo the return-to-participation program.
The protocol set by the NFL includes a series of graduated return-to-play policies that a player must follow to receive clearance to return to practice and game action after suffering a concussion. These guidelines are designed to ensure that the player has fully recovered from the concussion before returning to play and to minimize the risk of further injury.
The player must rest and avoid physical and cognitive activities that could exacerbate the concussion. This may include taking time off from work or school, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and limiting screen time and other activities that require mental effort.
With the athletic staff supervising, players can start with some balance training and limited stretching before advancing to manageable aerobic exercises.
The player may begin light aerobic exercises, such as stationary bike riding or light jogging, to increase his or her heart rate. They must take balance tests and dynamic stretching and engage in low-impact cardiovascular activities like stationary cycling at moderate speeds and no resistance training.
The exercise is typically easy enough for the player to hold a conversation while doing it.
The player may begin strength training and sport-specific activities, such as running routes or hitting a punching bag, as long as they do not involve contact. The player should continue to avoid activities that could cause a concussion, such as tackling or blocking.
The player may participate in non-contact team drills, such as passing drills or 7-on-7 drills. The player should continue to avoid contact and receive close monitoring for any signs or symptoms of a concussion.
The player may participate in full contact practice and receive clearance for game action if he or she is asymptomatic at rest and after exertion. The player should receive close monitoring during full-contact practice to ensure that he or she can handle the physical demands of the sport without experiencing any concussion-related symptoms.
The player must complete each phase of the return-to-participation program to move on to the next phase. The team physician and an independent neurological consultant must also clear the player before they can advance to the next phase.
If the player experiences any concussion-related symptoms during any phase of the return-to-participation program, they would have to leave the program and undergo further evaluation.
While there is no hard and fast rule on how long athletes must sit out due to concussion protocol, the average absence is about 2 weeks. Every NFL team is mandated to have an independent neurological consultant (INC), and the team doctor and INC must clear all players before they can return to play.
Long-term issues may arise from a concussion that isn't handled. Post-trauma syndrome, which includes headaches, dizziness, mood changes, and cognitive fog, can manifest itself months or even years after a concussion and is one of several potential consequences.
Overall, it is crucial for football players and all athletes to be aware of the risks associated with their sport and to take steps to protect themselves as much as possible. This includes wearing proper protective equipment, following the game's rules, and seeking medical attention if they experience concussion symptoms or other injuries.
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