The NFL is working on their own study and correctly points out that this elevated reporting may be due to the players self reporting their diagnosis.  Nevertheless, it seems that the findings are consistent with existing concussion research for those who suffer from repeated closed head injuries.  At the very least it seems that the issue deserves further study as even small bumps to the head may lead to serious brain damage and even death.  The science is established, yet more is learned every day and with more knowledge comes the discovery of more long term damage.

Over 1.5 million people suffer mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) each year and MTBI leads to nearly 50,000 deaths per year.  Closed head trauma is typical cause for MTBI injuries.  More severe injuries to the head, including fractures and swelling of the brain that require surgical pressure relief lead to conditions known as traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Given that TBI injuries result in more objective signs of injury, TBI injuries are easier to diagnose than MTBI and have a greater impact on the life of their victim.

Concussions are one type of TBI injuries, along with diffuse axonal injury, contusion, and coup-contrecoup injury.  With the exception of contusions of the brain and concussions, football typically does not cause these kinds of injuries.  The typical cause is some sort of intentional act or accident.

At our San Diego based California personal injury law firm, we see many MTBI and TBI injuries as a result of car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and bicycle accidents.  Car vs. pedestrian accidents often cause brain injuries as well when the skull of a pedestrian strikes the hood or windshield of the automobile.

If someone you know has been involved in an accident or has suffered an assualt and you suspect that he has suffered a MTBI or TBI injury due to slow cognitive skills and memory loss, it is crucial that you have a qualified medical specialists examine the injured person immediately.  Please read this article for an explanation of brain injury symptoms.

If you would like to consult with an experienced California brain injury attorney, contact San Diego, CA brain injury lawyer Ross Jurewitz and the attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group.  These San Diego personal injury lawyers may be contacted online or by calling 888-233-5020.