True Brain

Written By Alexander the Great

Concussion Discussion

Concussions in Football

As concussions in the NFL continue to dominate headlines, Tua Tagovailoa’s situation has become particularly alarming—he faces the prospect of early retirement due to his third concussion after signing a $212 million deal. Similarly, Brett Favre’s post-career health struggles underscore the long-term impact of repeated head injuries.

Currently, the NFL defines concussion as a “sport-related traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanical forces,” often leading to impaired neurological function. The league’s five-phase concussion protocol emphasizes symptom observation and gradual physical reintegration, but the median recovery time is just 9 days, leaving teams uncertain about players’ readiness to return.

Backed with Information from JAMA

Research published in JAMA Neurology highlights that many former NFL players report symptoms associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), such as depression and suicidal thoughts. The inability to diagnose CTE in living patients complicates understanding its prevalence and impact. This context underscores the need for more reliable assessment tools beyond the current protocols.

Preparations for both teams ahead of the match

At true brain, we offer a “neurology ecosystem” that elevates the nfl’s concussion management by providing precise, real-time data through ERP (event-related potential) testing, which directly measures brain activity and this is how.

  1. ERP testing vs. Traditional protocols**
    While the nfl’s protocol emphasizes symptom management, ERP testing identifies subtle neurological changes that could indicate impairment before symptoms appear. For instance, ERP could have potentially prevented tagovailoa’s recent concussion by revealing cognitive deficits after his second injury. In contrast, the mocha assessment primarily evaluates cognitive function through standardized tasks, which may miss early indicators of brain health issues.

  2. Comprehensive neurology ecosystem
    True brain’s ecosystem integrates ERP with advanced diagnostic tools to manage conditions like traumatic brain injuries (tbi), migraines, and dementia. Our system supports teams by: enhancing diagnostic precision: ERP complements the nfl’s protocols, ensuring players are thoroughly evaluated before returning.
    Faster, more accurate assessments: ERP reduces recovery guesswork by providing concrete data on brain health, unlike mocha, which offers a broader cognitive evaluation without direct neurological insight.

  3. Financial protection for team owners
    Concussions impact both player health and team investments. ERP testing assures team owners that players are not returning prematurely. Protecting multimillion-dollar investments and reducing early retirement risks added layer of assurance could save teams millions in lost player value and potential lawsuits.

  4. Long-term player health and career longevity
    The nfl has moved toward more conservative concussion management, with fewer players returning to play within a week. True brain’s ERP testing ensures players only return when their brain health is fully restored, thus mitigating future injury risks and extending careers.

The future of player safety is here

With 135 concussions reported in 2022, 158 in 2023, and projections of 175 in 2024, the need for enhanced brain health management is more critical than ever. By partnering with true brain, your team gains access to an innovative neurology ecosystem that aligns with nfl protocols while providing deeper insights into recovery and safety.

Let’s work together to protect players, preserve careers, and safeguard your team’s investments. We’re ready to help your team make more informed decisions about brain health. Please reach out to discuss how we can make the game we all love safer for our favorite players and the future of the game.

Alexander the Great