Today, many athletes across the country suffer from a common injury. This injury is one with serious side affects and can permanently end any star's career. Could you imagine being at the top of your game and then suffer a career shattering injury, many athletes face it everyday. Today, Concussions are a constant threat across the world of sports. Football and hockey are two sports with a level of play that causes an increase in Concussions. Medical experts and leagues are doing the best they can to understand this growing issue. By understanding the role concussions can play in the game of professional hockey, the league can help prevent these problems from happening. Concussions affect the game of hockey in several ways from on and off the ice. In order to understand concussions role on the game of hockey, one must look at the symptoms, injuries, and side-effects of this condition.
Hockey is a sport of speed and strength. With the growing size and strength of today's players, injuries are likely to occur. Concussions are one of these injuries that include a wide variety of conditions and symptoms. “A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alter the way your brain functions” (Staff, Mayo Clinic). The game of Hockey causes severe collisions that sometimes result in head injuries.“Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. These injuries can cause a loss of consciousness, but most concussions do not. Because of this, some people have concussions and don't realize it” (Staff, Mayo Clinic). Concussions are common in any contact sport. According to the Mayo Clinic, all forms of concussions impair your brain in some fashion. These injuries often take time to heal. The time frame for these injuries varies from patient to patient. Concussion's symptoms are one part to analyze and evaluate to determine their affects on the game of hockey.
Following the initial symptoms and injury from a concussion are usually side-effects. “Effects are usually temporary, but can include problems with headache, concentration, memory, judgment, balance, and coordination” (Staff, Mayo Clinic). These the most frequent side-effects and often end once the recovery process has occurred. “Every concussion injures your brain to some extent. This injury needs time and rest in order to heal properly” (Staff, Mayo Clinic). While recovery typically relieves the conflicted player or patient, it is in professional sports where concussion's may hold a more permanent effect. Post-Concussion Syndrome is a complex disorder in which a variable combination of symptoms – such as headaches and dizziness – last for weeks and sometimes months after the injury that caused the concussion” (Staff, Mayo Clinic). Such is the case with the Pittsburgh Penguins (of the NHL) Captain, Sidney Crosby. After suffering a concussion early into 2011, the young and prosperous phenom has only returned in nine games since receiving the concussion. Many players battle this reoccurring injury that is post-Concussion syndrome. “In most people, post-concussion syndrome symptoms occur within the first seven to 10 days and go always within three months, though they can persist for a year or more” (Staff, Mayo Clinic). Concussion's are often serious injuries however, the side-effects and post-concussion syndrome are the leading cause for NHL players struggles.
With NHL players increasingly suffering Concussion's, what is the league doing to fix this problem? Recently the University of Calgary conducted a study on concussions in the NHL. “Conducted over seven National Hockey League seasons and led by sports medicine researchers within the Faculty of Kinesiology, indicates that while the rate of injuries leveled out over the study period, the number of days lost per concussion has increased” (Professional Hockey). Many groups and organizations within the league are doing their best to bring about recognition and proper screening for these injuries. “The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) have historically paved the way in professional sports fore establishing a comprehensive concussion surveillance and management programs” (Professional Hockey). The recovery process for these injuries takes time but with help from doctors and concussion boards, the NHL is taking a precautionary course on concussion's.
Concussions are a serious issue in many professional sports. Concussions affect hockey in many ways. Many sports today are affected by the medical condition of concussions. Today, leagues and professionals are learning how to prepare and prevent these career shattering injuries. With medical advancements and a better understanding of the science, we are helping athletes recover from these injuries. In order to understand concussions role on the game of hockey, one must look at the symptoms, injuries, and side-effects of this condition.
Who Suffered from a Concussion in Hockey?
Sidney Crosby #87 suffered from two concussion however, continues to play today.