Neuroscience For Kids
New Rules for NFL Football Players with Concussions
December 3, 2009
On December 2, 2009, the National Football League announced new rules for players who sustain a head injury.
The new guidelines state that players who sustain a concussion should not return to a game or practice on the same day if he shows symptoms of a head injury. These symptoms include memory loss, confusion, dizziness and headaches. Players should have normal neurological and neuropsychological examinations and be cleared to return to action by both team physicians and an independent neurological consultant. The old guidelines stated that players should not return to a game only if they lost consciousness.
The new guidelines will not eliminate head
injuries in football, but they are steps in the right direction to protect
the health and safety of players.
References and further information:
- NFL Press Release
- Long-Term Effects of Concussions in Football Players - Neuroscience for Kids
- Survey Tackles Football Concussions - Neuroscience for Kids
- More "Rings" Put Athletes at Risk for Severe Concussions - Neuroscience for Kids
- High School Sports and Brain Injury - Neuroscience for Kids
- College Athletes are Unaware of Head Injury Symptoms - Neuroscience for Kids
- Recognizing Sports Concussions: Keeping Youth Athletes Safe - VIDEO
Copyright © 1996-2009, Eric H. Chudler, University of Washington
