Studies Show Football Causes Brain Damage

Online, November 1, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Studies Show Football Causes Brain Damage

Football is the American pastime -- but is it harming the players' brains?

September 2011, Florida- From the Super Bowl to high school football players, football is part of the fabric of American life. However, recent research suggests that football, especially on the professional level, may cause brain damage that not even brain injury rehabilitation can fully treat.
Football players may suffer from devastating concussions due to the hazards of playing the game. A single tackle may cause harm to the brain; a player may have had hundreds-or even thousands-of concussions by the time they retire from pro football. Feelings of "safety" from the helmets allow players to dish out and take hits that would have killed players of a previous generation. In addition, many football players never fully heal before they get back into the game because the culture and money-driven business of sports demands that the players "tough out" the injuries and return before they've fully recovered. In addition, the demands of fans make it difficult for a player, especially a famous and well-paid player, to ask to spend months off the field.
Even worse, some concussions may have no symptoms at all. Even injury-free football players show signs of brain changes, according to brain scan studies of football players. Large amounts of moderate hits may cause similar brain damage to a single "real" concussion, according to some scientists. Repetitive blows to the top-front of the head, such as when players use their heads to block or tackle, may affect a player's working memory or impulse control. However, without symptoms, brain injury rehabilitation becomes more difficult.
The consequences of football-induced brain damage may be awful. Players have reported depression, memory loss and sudden frightening bouts of rage. Many have sought brain injury rehabilitation. Parents and fans have asked whether the game of football needs to be reformed, with more brain injury prevention and safety measures, especially given the possible brain damage to underage students. Some even want it banned. Others counter that the risks are known and disclosed when players sign up.
The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation offers clinically sound, high-quality, cost-effective support for those living with brain injuries. All programs are staffed by professionals, often multilingual, trained in relevant therapeutic disciplines, who work in cohesive teams. They also offer family support services.

The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation
800-697-5390
www.finr.net