Medical analysis of why Jabari Small was a surprise inclusion to Detroit Lions 53-man roster. Reviewing concussion history, video footage, and durability risk.
There's little doubt in my mind that repeated blows to the head, or concussions, pose a tremendous risk factor for the development of CTE and other neurological diseases/disorders. The brain, while incredibly robust and neuroplastic, is not invulnerable. To me, it would seem rather naive to think repeatedly slamming your brain against the inside of your skull can never result in lasting, permanent damage.
However, no two brains are the same and no two concussions are the same, and it's very, very difficult to asses their true severity. I've seen examples of players taking brutal hits (like getting knocked out with a fencing response) who say that they feel fine afterwards and report having no lasting side effects. Other players can develop post-concussion syndrome from a seemingly much more mild hit and miss extended periods of time. While we can rest players with outward symptoms or side effects, or if they suffer repeated concussions within a short amount of time, I think it still remains incredibly difficult to know the true extent or impact of any individual concussion. Just because a player doesn't have immediate or obvious side effects doesn't mean they escaped without consequence, either.
I am curious though, why does suffering a concussion make you more prone to suffering a subsequent one, especially right after? Do we know why the brain is in a more vulnerable state — even when the players say they're fine? Based on the video evidence, it definitely seemed like Small suffered another one.
Ultimately, I'm not sure what the else the NFL is willing to do to significantly reduce concussions (without making meaningful changes to the sport), but at least there's still plenty of room for the science to improve. The NFL did its level best to sweep concussions under the rug for years, and there's still a lot that we have to learn. But it's my hope that continued research and technology can and will help us better understand the neurological impact of concussions so players can be better informed about the risks that they are taking.
Well put! There is still a ton we don't know about the brain and how it works. Like, as you said, what is concussion recovery and why is the brain more prone to a second concussion?
There's little doubt in my mind that repeated blows to the head, or concussions, pose a tremendous risk factor for the development of CTE and other neurological diseases/disorders. The brain, while incredibly robust and neuroplastic, is not invulnerable. To me, it would seem rather naive to think repeatedly slamming your brain against the inside of your skull can never result in lasting, permanent damage.
However, no two brains are the same and no two concussions are the same, and it's very, very difficult to asses their true severity. I've seen examples of players taking brutal hits (like getting knocked out with a fencing response) who say that they feel fine afterwards and report having no lasting side effects. Other players can develop post-concussion syndrome from a seemingly much more mild hit and miss extended periods of time. While we can rest players with outward symptoms or side effects, or if they suffer repeated concussions within a short amount of time, I think it still remains incredibly difficult to know the true extent or impact of any individual concussion. Just because a player doesn't have immediate or obvious side effects doesn't mean they escaped without consequence, either.
I am curious though, why does suffering a concussion make you more prone to suffering a subsequent one, especially right after? Do we know why the brain is in a more vulnerable state — even when the players say they're fine? Based on the video evidence, it definitely seemed like Small suffered another one.
Ultimately, I'm not sure what the else the NFL is willing to do to significantly reduce concussions (without making meaningful changes to the sport), but at least there's still plenty of room for the science to improve. The NFL did its level best to sweep concussions under the rug for years, and there's still a lot that we have to learn. But it's my hope that continued research and technology can and will help us better understand the neurological impact of concussions so players can be better informed about the risks that they are taking.
Well put! There is still a ton we don't know about the brain and how it works. Like, as you said, what is concussion recovery and why is the brain more prone to a second concussion?