The Concussion Debate: Is it Really Worth it?

Why is a concussion called a concussion? Why isn’t it called what it really is: a bruised brain. Wouldn’t that be a wake up call for athletes who attempt to rush back to competition despite the very serious risks? The concussion issue has become a contentious topic in recent years with many athletes possibly returning to action prematurely. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow suffered a severe concussion against Kentucky and his desire to return only two weeks after the incident have raised questions about the injury and when an athlete can or should be expected back on the field.

Perhaps the most difficult part for researchers, doctors, and athletic trainers dealing with concussions is the idiosyncrasy of a very perplexing injury. Concussions are judged on a case-by-case basis. They are different for every person and the lasting effects are determined by many factors including the sport in question, severity of the injury, and the athlete’s past history. If players such as Tebow return to the field of play prior to fully recovering from a concussion, they risk irreparable harm to themselves and athletic programs around the country. An athlete who plays while still recovering from a concussion may have to deal with second impact syndrome, a condition in which an athlete is hit again in the head causing the brain to swell rapidly and can result in death. The scariest part of second impact syndrome is the second hit may only be a graze of the head or maybe not a hit to the head at all but a whiplash effect if an athlete is struck with enough force. Second impact syndrome is only one of a number of disastrous outcomes facing an athlete after a concussion.

At Northern Arizona all athletes undergo baseline tests which show an individual’s normal brain activity. When an athlete suffers a possible head injury, concussion tests are administered then compared and contrasted to the baseline test. Athletes are only cleared when they are symptom free and after their test scores return to the baseline numbers.

Tebow’s situation is an appropriate example when discussing concussions because of his stature in collegiate sports. He is the face of college football and maybe the most recognizable student-athlete over the last several years. If he chooses to remain on the sidelines on Saturday against No. 4 LSU it would cause many to take notice and go a long way in educating other college athletes or really athletes in any sport at any level of the seriousness of this type of injury.

Athletes need to be aware of the severity of head injuries and should take the time to learn about concussions and what they do to people in the short term and long term. After talking with the athletic training staff at NAU, it seems clear if a situation like Tebow's happened here many precautionary steps would be taken before a student-athlete could return to competition. But ultimately, it is up to the student-athlete to decide what is more important: a game or their quality of life long after athletic participation has passed one by.