Concussions Kept Secret are Killing Teenagers - Health

Injuries are a daily part of high school sports. Star athletes expecting scholarships and a bright future know that all of that can change in a split second if they become injured in practice or play and have to sit out too many games. What many don't realize is that returning to play too soon can cost them their lives.

Concussions don't always mean losing consciousness. They often go unnoticed unreported, or ignored by players and coaches alike, putting players at risk for deadly second impact syndrome.

Second Impact Syndrome more likely in teensSecond impact syndrome occurs when the brain sustains a second injury while the first injury is still healing. Neither injury has to be noticeably serious.

Teenagers are far more likely to experience second impact syndrome than adults when a second injury occurs.

Second impact syndrome can shut down the brain and breathing in as little as two to five minutes after injury. It can occur days or weeks after the original injury was sustained.

In second impact syndrome, the brain is suddenly unable to regulate blood flow, causing rapid swelling, herniation of the brain, and brainstem failure.

Why it happensA recent article in the New York Times explained the problem as a combination of ignorance and intentional deception, fostered by football's "gladiator culture."

Many players don't realize that they are in danger. They don't take concussions seriously. Some simply refuse to sit it out. Competition is fierce. Perseverance and loyalty highly prized.

Parents and coaches are often part of the problem with unrealistic expectations blinding them to the very real danger of death or permanent disability, they push players to get back in the game and win.

Devastating realitiesOver a million kids play high school football each year. About half of them sustain concussions. Most of those get back in the game before their injuries heal. Many of them sustain a second and even third injury. Some die on the field before help can arrive.

Athletic trainers report that only about five percent of players sustain a concussion each year, according to the New York Times report. When the players themselves were surveyed it was revealed that 50% had sustained one concussion and 35% experienced multiple concussions in one season.

When teenagers sustain brain injuries they can face a multitude of problems including: Behavioral problems Loss of short term memory Depression Learning disabilities Physical impairment Loss of concentration Substance abuse Unexplained anger and violence Anger and alienation Legal problems Suicide

For survivors, the scholarships they risked everything to win are lost. Some turn to drugs or suicide. Many wind up in prison. A few are so impaired that they have to live with their parents or in an institution for the rest of their lives. And, of course, some do not live to see the consequences.

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