Troy Polamalu the recent poster boy for concussion management has spoken for the first time since the “concussion-like” spell. He was interviewed via The Republic and had some very salient comments;
“I’m well aware of the research, well aware of the frenzy that’s kind of surrounded this particular injury,” he added. “I also realize that with the amount that I have had that I’m probably under a lot more scrutiny, and we’re under a lot more scrutiny than other organizations.”
I have always thought of Polamalu as someone who is of full capacity and really, an over all a competitor. There inlays the struggle of athletes, playing hurt. But are concussions an injury you can play hurt though? As of now there is ZERO indication that this should even be considered for adolescents. Professional athletes are adults and as we can see from the above comment aware, but they are making a living.
This is an issue I have tried to make, professionals do have the right to sign informed consent about concussions and returning to play, however not at the time of injury or impairment. After all they are not of sound mind during a brain injury, that is a fact. However after the initial phase of metabolic cascade (research is trying to pinpoint this time frame) perhaps the adults can “release” liability associated with concussions.
Even so, the message should be CLEAR and CONSISTENT to the adolescent, that they [youth] cannot take the same risks. Even Polamalu concedes that a concussion is possibly the worst injury one can sustain;
“One, there’s probably no more serious injury that anybody could have than a concussion,” he continued. “You can function well with blown legs and arms and shoulders, but not with the brain.”
The Concussion Blog 
It’s great to hear Polamalu taking this issue so seriously. The long term effects of concussions may not be fully “documented” yet but I’ve a lot of anecdotal evidence.
I do craniosacral therapy and I’ve been working with a man for more than three years who played football in college and high school. He’s now in his early 50s and through our work together he had vivid memories of all the concussions he suffered 30 years ago. He’s now successful entertainment executive but still has moments when he feels “foggy” or just “not quite right”.
During our work together, we were both able to feel the inside of his brain untwisting tension in the membranes. He credits craniosacral therapy with helping to eliminate those feelings of confusion and improving his concentration,
focus and improving his sleep.
Thanks for your post.
Troy is paying lip service while believing he is indestructible. While he is receiving terrible medical advice, he has a union, is an adult and is very well paid. In that light, Polamalu should be compelled to take his earnings and purchase a long-term disability policy as his post retirement health insurance expires 5 years after retirement and he should not be burden to society if and most probably when he develops health problems in later life.
It is his choice to risk his neck but he should pay for it.
Finally, he should set aside money to pay for health of all the kids that will follow his lead and don’t have million dollar contracts and endorsement deals.
Many of the prep coaches and parents are already probably adopting so-called “concussion-like symptoms” euphemism to justify little Johny tackling dummy to get out on the field and become a future head case. UPMC has done it again.
Joe Bloggs – Just followed the link from Dustin’s current post. If you ever have the time and inclination (and I understand if you don’t), I would love to read a full post on concussions and youth football.