Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Increase among High School and College Football Players

Football is a wonderful sport that is loved by many, but it is also a dangerous sport that causes severe concussions, brain trauma and in some cases death. With tackles, direct collisions and serious aggression, the chances of head and back injury in the game and even during practice are serious.

A recent study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed serious statistics about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Spinal Cord injury (SPI) among high school and college football players between 2005-2014:

• 28 student football athletes were fatally injured due to a TBI or SPI
• 3 student football athletes die each year from football-related injuries
• 18% of deaths were preceded by an earlier concussion
• 47,199 college football injuries per year– accounts for 22.4% of all college athlete injuries
• 2,317 college football players suffer from concussions and cervical spine and neck injuries per year
• There are 1.1 million high school football players and 750,000 college football players

The study additionally reported that fatality among football players was most prevalent during games when players were tied to tackling or being tackled. Fatality among football players was most common in running backs and linebackers.

When playing football it is important for parents, teachers, and coaches to maintain the utmost safety awareness. Here are some ways to ensure safety among football players during practice and games:

• Surveillance during games
• Education & training on tackling techniques
• Planning for severe injuries with onsite medical care
• If an athlete is injured, proper care and immediate attention
• A qualified doctor should evaluate a player if they are eligible to return to the sport after an injury
• Wear proper safety equipment at all times on the field
• Any signs of nausea, dizziness or headache after practice or a game should be checked out by a doctor

To read more about this study, click here.

With 40% of former NFL players sustaining brain injuries, it is evident that safety awareness is vital to the sport of football. The CDC reports that there are implications among the public health practice in football and that enhanced safety practice must be taken into action immediately. Players must understand proper tackling techniques and be aware of the signs and symptoms of TBI and spinal cord injuries.

To learn the common signs of TBI, click here.

To learn the common signs of spinal cord injuries, click here.

If you or a loved one suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury in any type of accident due to negligence, call Graves McLain right away at 918-359-6600. When you call one of our experienced Tulsa Brain Injury attorneys, we will speak with you for FREE and determine the best course of action.

We review every detail of your situation at no cost to you and fight hard to protect your rights. Trust our team, we are here to help.

Graves McLain, Serious Lawyers for Serious Injuries