The phone rang during a chaotic morning rush. It was the school nurse, urgently informing me that I needed to come to the school right away.
“Your son has sustained a head injury,” she explained.
At just 8 years old, my son had collided with another student during gym class, leaving him briefly unconscious after their heads connected. When I arrived at the nurse’s office, I found him groggy, with a painful bump on his head growing larger by the minute. His condition deteriorated quickly, leading to vomiting, an inability to stand, lethargy, and confusion. After consulting with our family physician, we rushed him to the ER, where we learned he had a concussion.
The recovery took nearly eight weeks. Eight weeks filled with headaches, vision issues, short-term memory problems, and difficulties concentrating—all due to a momentary accident. While he eventually made a full recovery, we were left wondering about any potential long-term effects on his developing brain.
This experience led my husband and me to decide against allowing our son to play tackle football. As he now watches high school games from the sidelines, he recalls the struggle of recovering from that brain injury.
Recent findings published by the Journal of the American Medical Association support our decision. Their study examined 111 brains from former NFL players and discovered that 110 showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This shocking statistic should prompt parents to reconsider their children’s participation in full-contact sports like football and boxing.
To simplify the medical jargon: CTE is a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, mood swings (including depression and suicidal thoughts), impulsive behavior, attention issues, and coordination difficulties. While CTE can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem, there’s a clear connection between repeated head injuries and the likelihood of finding CTE during autopsy.
Of the examined brains, 177 showed signs of CTE. These were donated by families who had observed symptoms of the condition in their loved ones. The study participants ranged from high school to professional players, spanning various ages.
It’s worth noting that since the brains were donated by concerned families, the study’s results may not represent the general population of football players. However, it certainly adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the need for more research into the safety of youth football.
Currently, no long-term studies exist on living individuals regarding CTE, as such research would require extensive funding and time—estimates suggest upwards of $100 million.
The key takeaway? Science is increasingly indicating that repeated hits to the head during football can lead to lasting brain damage. Even the NFL is acknowledging these findings. In a statement to NPR, they noted that this research will aid the medical community, and they are committed to investing $100 million to enhance athlete safety. However, independent studies are equally vital to ensure parents have all the information needed to protect our kids while they enjoy the game.
So, what steps can parents take if their child is passionate about football? Speak up.
Demand that your child’s football organization supports CTE research. Sure, fundraising for new uniforms is great, but let’s also raise funds for traumatic brain injury studies. Insist on proper, up-to-date headgear for every game—no exceptions. If your child has been diagnosed with a concussion, do not allow them to play until they are completely healed and cleared by a doctor. Any coach pressuring you to rush your child back should raise a red flag.
Most importantly, recognize that research is increasingly confirming the seriousness of head injuries for our kids, both on and off the field.
For more insights into family health and safety, check out this resource on pregnancy and home insemination and visit Nursery and Baby Furniture for expert guidance on creating a safe space for your little ones.
In conclusion, while the thrill of tackle football may be tempting, the evidence is clear that the risks associated with head injuries are significant. Our children’s health and safety must always come first.