Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

HS Football Players Hide Head Injuries

Concussions more risky for teens who don't know—or don't tell

By Josie Garthwaite,  Newser User

Posted Sep 15, 2007 2:18 PM CDT

(Newser) – Behind the Americana of high school football lurks the deadly consequences of concussions. In the last 10 years some 50 players have sustained serious head injuries on the gridiron—some fatal, the New York Times reports. And teenage players, whose brains are more fragile, often don't know what a concussion is, or won't tell.

Players interviewed demonstrated foggy understanding of concussions, which occur when the brain and skull crash together. The problem is widespread—about 50% of high school players reported having suffered concussion symptoms. And second impact syndrome, which occurs when even a minor injury is sustained before the first has healed, can leave kids with short-term memory problems and depression—or in a coma or dead.

Teenagers are more prone to permanent damage, or even death, following a concussion.
Teenagers are more prone to permanent damage, or even death, following a concussion.   (KRT Photos)
LIFE CONCUSSIONS TB
LIFE CONCUSSIONS TB   (KRT Photos)
Sean Marshall, left, takes a drink during a break in football practice at Bishop McGuinness High School, in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. as temperatures soared into the upper 90's.. (AP Photo)
Sean Marshall, left, takes a drink during a break in football practice at Bishop McGuinness High School, in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. as temperatures soared into the upper 90's.. (AP Photo)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Former Players Sue NFL Over Brain Injuries

Teen Dies of Football Brain Injury

After Suicide, NFL Player's Brain Goes to Research

Rutgers Player Paralyzed After Collision

Brain Injury Eyed in Penn Player's Suicide


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne