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Certainly playing a contact sport like hockey, especially on the professional level, comes with the risk of injury. Injuries are part of a professional athlete's life. But injuries can also take place on a pee-wee football field, the ski slopes, or a local bike path. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 1.6-3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. And women and girls are just as likely as men and boys to sustain a brain injury playing sports.
Physiologic Post Concussion Disorder
"Only you can decide how important football is in your life," the doctor told the young player after he sustained a concussion with lingering symptoms.
Dr. Julian Bailes: Being Strict with Return-to-Play Guidelines
An athlete should never be returned to play after a concussion until all symptoms have been resolved and he or she has been cleared by a licensed provider.
Dr. Julian Bailes: High Index of Concussion Suspicion Needed on the Sidelines
Concussions can be subtle and often invisible. That's why coaches, parents, and teammates need to have a high index of suspicion.
Dr. Julian Bailes: Should We Be Worried About Subconcussive Blows in Sports?
More research is needed to determine if subconcussive blows — repetitive hits to the head not diagnosed or suspected as concussions — are deleterious.
Dr. Julian Bailes: "Greatest" American Game Needs to Evolve
Taking the head out of the game of football — and ice hockey and other contact sports — is easier said than done, but some rule changes would certainly decrease the number of sports-related brain injuries.
Dr. Julian Bailes: The Pros of Contact Sports
Kids should play contact sports for a spectrum of reasons — from being part of a team to learning lessons on winning and losing — but not if the kid has had three or more concussions.
Dr. Julian Bailes: Return to Play Decisions Are Complicated
Multiple concussions versus a single concussion in sports elevate the need for expert medical advice before returning to play.
Dr. Julian Bailes: Helmets Cannot Prevent Brain Injuries
Even with a helmet on, a person's brain is still free to move about in the skull's cerebral spinal fluid, which can cause concussion.
Learning by Accident
Sometimes our fear can be more debilitating than a TBI. One caregiver shares her story of ambiguous loss, family love, and emotional healing.
Repeat Concussions
Playing sports has many benefits for kids, but there needs to be more awareness of the potentially life-changing effects of repeat concussion.
Tackling the Public Health Problem of Brain Injury
Dr. David Hovda talks about the problems of misdiagnosis and how efforts to increase awareness and prevention could help athletes and soldiers.
The Implications of Recent Research on the Brain
Find out more about the implications of recent data on traumatic brain injury.
Finding a Balance: Sports and Safety
Yes, some sports could be safer — and should be — but not participating in sports at all is like being a boat that never sets sail.
A Hero's Message Can Go a Long Way for TBI Awareness
Professional athletes could help educate the myriad kids who look up to them by being upfront about the dangers of brain injury.
Concussions in Boxing and Other Contact Sports
Researchers have long been making recommendations for making sports like boxing, football, and hockey safer.
Tracy's Story: The End of an Athlete's Career
"If you think you have a concussion, don't hide it, report it ... I didn't know it could get this bad."
Are High Altitudes Bad for Someone who Sustained a Brain Injury?
A mother wants to know if her daughter should go skydiving.
Testing the Test; Impact Reliability Study
Is baseline testing enough to get a full picture of a concussed athlete's injury?
A Mother's Intuition
After her son sustained a TBI while playing football, one mother took the ball and ran with it to raise awareness.
Top Four Concussion Screener Apps for Athletes
iPhone & Android apps that check for brain injury in athletes.
Researchers' Helmet Ratings Impact Buying Decisions
Helmets do not prevent concussions. Recent research explains why.
How Many Concussions Are Too Many for a Young Athlete?
Err on the side of caution; “when in doubt, sit it out.”
Martial Arts and Brain Injury
Learn more about “bumps to the head” and their possible future ramifications.
REAP the Benefits of Good Concussion Management
A guide for every family, school, and medical professional to create a community-based concussion management program.
From Olympic Hopeful to TBI: Lesley LeMasurier's Story
When her concussions started to affect her on and off the ski slopes, one competitive skier knew something was significantly wrong.
Olympic Hopeful Lesley LaMasurier on the Importance of Wearing a Helmet
"I don't want to imagine what would have happened if I hadn't been wearing a helmet."
Does Heading a Soccer Ball Cause TBI?
Dr. James Kelly talks about the data on heading the ball in soccer and brain injury.
CTE from Abuse, Not Sports?
Symptoms of mild TBI and chronic traumatic encephalopathy can be confusingly similar.
Coach Is Key in Minimizing Effects of TBI on Young Athletes
Coaches are essential to helping young athletes who may have sustained a concussion get the appropriate care.
The CDC's Heads Up! Toolkits
Free for teachers, parents, coaches, and kids, learn about the CDC's Heads Up! toolkits.
Professional and Youth Sports Leagues Work Together for Safety
Many professional sports have supportive alliances with youth sports. Learn how the CDC helps.
Recommendations for Young Athletes
Youth athletes need to be removed from play and evaluated by a TBI specialist after a hit to the head.
Identifying a TBI: A Teacher's Role
Teachers are often the first to notice that something may be wrong with a student from a hit during sports.
Roller Sports Safety
Stats about roller sports and injury as well as prevention tips.
Bicycle Safety
Wearing a helmet while riding a bike can save your life. It's as simple as that.
Equestrian Safety
Did you know that the highest proportion of injury events involving multiple injuries are due to riding animals?
Water Safety
Did you knowthat a child can drown in an inch of water? Learn how to keep safe near water.
Making Kids' Sports Safer
Blatant hits and fouls are not necessary in kids' sports; rule changes could make sports safer.
Young Football Players and the NFL's New Safety Tactics
Retired NFL player Jason Belser talks about what strategies the NFL Players Association is using to educate young players about concussion and safety.
Cumulative Concussions
Cumulative concussions — or repeat blows to the head — can have serious, long-term consequences. Learn more.
How Can We Improve the Way Sports Handle Brain Injuries?
A jarred brain needs sufficient time to rest and recover.
What Can You Do to Help an Injured Teammate?
If you see a teammate acting differently or strangely, tell your coach immediately. You might just save his life.
Are Contact Sports Dangerous?
Increased knowledge about the long-term effects from contact sports may catalyze rule changes.
Why Is an Injured Player More at Risk for a Second Concussion?
A second concussion may have more dangerous consequences than a first concussion, especially in a young adult brain.
Repetitive Brain Trauma
"We knew it existed in boxing, but we didn't know it was living amongst us ... "
What Is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy?
It doesn’t take an expert …anyone can see that they don’t want those brown, ugly spots on their brains.
Game Changers
“Brown Is Bad, Brown Is Cell Death.” Learn about the research behind chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
University Athletes Need More Information About Brain Injury
College athletes need to know more about concussions and mild TBIs.
Heads Up: Concussion in Hockey
Ice hockey is notoriously a rough sport. Learn ways to keep it safer.
Concussions and Contact Sports
People need to know that a concussion can be a serious event, repetitive concussions even more so. Proper recovery is essential to outcome.
How Common Are Concussions in Contact Sports?
During any given season in football or ice hockey, for example, a player has a 5-10% chance of sustaining a concussion.
The Science Behind Second Impact Syndrome and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Second impact syndrome (SIS) can have in-an-instant, tragic consequences. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), on the other hand, can have slow and heartbreaking consequences.
Return to Play Guidelines
An athlete should not return to play until all of his symptoms — physical and cognitive — have cleared up.
Should You Let Your Child Play Contact Sports?
A doctor/parent talks about trying to find a balance between the benefits and dangers of letting his children play contact sports.
Jason Belser Explains Why He Retired from the NFL
After "11 wonderful seasons" Jason Belser retired from the NFL. "I had four concussions, but I still have all my memories. Clear as day."
NFL Players Association: Report Concussion Symptoms
Retired NFL player Jason Belser talks about how the National Football League Players Association is working to protect athletes of all ages. "When you have symptoms, tell someone!"
Sports and Concussion: “When in Doubt, Sit It Out”
Suggestions for keeping young athletes safe in games where helmets are not required.
Opinion: Surgeon Tackles Brain Injury in Youth Sports
Would you let your young kids play contact sports? Read what one father/pediatric neurosurgeon has to say about sports concussions.
Concusssions and the NFL: Bob Salter Interviews Michael Kaplen
Listen and learn more about the effects of concussion and how professional sports and the military are addressing the problem.
Identifying a Concussion and Its Long-and Short-Term Effects
When can a young athlete return to play after a concussion?
Blast Injuries Versus Sports Injuries
What are the similarities and differences between sports injuries and blast injuries?
ACTive: Free Concussion Training for Sports Coaches
An indispensable and absolutely must-use tool for all coaches — from peewee to pro sports.
Jason Belser Discusses Concussion and the NFL
Former NFL player Jason Belser talks about the highs and lows of his 11 seasons in pro football.
8 Top Tips for Safe Summer Sports
Eight easy ways to keep your summer adventures safe and exciting!
How Can Parents Help Educate Their Children’s Coaches About Concussion?
Don’t worry about seeming like an overprotective mom or dad … share your knowledge and keep your child safe on and off the field.
Why Is It So Hard to Keep Cheerleaders Safe?
Cheerleading is a real sport with real injuries — like brain injuries. It's time to take notice.
What Is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy – and What Should Athletes Know?
What is being done to help protect athletes from repetitive hits to the brain?
What Is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy?
Studies show that CTE is prevalent in many athletes who had head injuries.
When Is It Safe to Return to Play After a Concussion?
An important new law evens the playing field.
Management of Sports-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents
Managing a young athlete who has sustained a concussion — or several — can be complicated. Speech-language pathologists can help.
What Should Sports Coaches Know?
Find out how to keep your players safe during practices and games.
Summer Sports Injury Prevention Tips
Play hard, but stay safe this summer!
Driving After a Sports Concussion
When is it okay to get behind the wheel again?
Balance Issues Post-Concussion
Balance problems may be linked to headaches after a TBI.
NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine Shares His Story
Hear hockey great Pat LaFontaine recount his story and the steps he took during his recovery after several brain injuries.
Winter Sports Brain Injury Prevention Tips
Learn ways to enjoy winter sports and protect your brain.
CDC Cup of Health Understanding Sports TBI
Listen here to learn more about sports and brain injury.
Dr. James Kelly Talks About Second Impact Syndrome
BrainLine talks with Dr. Kelly about the risks of multiple concussions and how it affects the brain.
Dr. James Kelly Talks About Concussion Screening Standards
BrainLine talks with Dr. Kelly about the current standards when screening for TBI and what how future testing might improve.
Dr. James Kelly Talks About Children, Helmets, and Concussion
BrainLine sat down with Dr. Kelly to talk about how TBI affects children differently from adults, the use and design of helmets, and how parents can best deal with concussion in their child.
Dr. James Kelly Talks About Areas of the Brain Affected by Concussion
BrainLine sat down with Dr. Kelly to talk about how different areas of the brain can be affected by concussion, or mild TBI.
Tuesday Morning Quarterback
Read what this ESPN columnist has to say about concussions and helmets.
Concussion and Sports: Know Your Game!
Concussions are like snowflakes — not one is exactly like another.
Concussions: Is Your Young Athlete at Risk?
Learn why letting a child return to play after a concussion can be extremely dangerous.
Repetitive Head Injury Syndrome
One brain injury can be catastrophic, but multiple injuries can be life-changing, even fatal.
Head to Head with Christopher Nowinski
Retired football player and pro-wrestler tackles worldwide — and personal — concussion crisis.
Concussion and Sports
Learn how to enjoy sports safely and prevent injury during every season.
Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports
This toolkit teaches coaches, athletes, and parents how to play it safe.
Head Games
America's favorite sport — football — has a serious problem.
Prevention
Learn how to prevent TBI — from wearing a seatbelt to to using nonslip mats in the bathtub.
Which Helmet for Which Activity?
All helmets are not created equal. Learn what to choose to prevent head injury.
Safe ATV Operation: Frequently Asked Questions
Learn the standard guidelines, legal requirements, manufacturers' recommendations, and state regulations for ATVs.
TBI Hell
"Your life can change in an instant ... but ... life goes on. Don't trust anyone!"
Atención: Concusión cerebral en los deportes de colegio (para los padres)
¿Qué es una concusión cerebral? Una concusión cerebral es una lesión del cerebro que surge a consecuencia de un golpe o una sacudida a la cabeza.
Atención: Concusión cerebral en los deportes de colegio (para el atleta)
La conmoción cerebral puede ocurrir sin que la persona pierda el conocimiento. Esta hoja informativa ofrece información a los atletas sobre prevención, reconocimiento y reacción frente a una conmoción.
ATV Safety Fact Sheet
These 600+-lb. vehicles can be fun, but dangerous. Learn more.
Companions in Courage
NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine helps other athletes and people with TBI by sharing his story.
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