Football, concussions and the red flags to watch out for

DENISON, Texas (KXII) – As players take hits week after week, it’s important to remember that not every hit can be shaken off.

Concussions are a real problem because the brain doesn’t heal as well as the rest of the body.

“Once the brain is damaged, it never really gets better,” said Doctor James Frame, chief medical officer at Sherman Medical Center.

That’s why it’s important to know what warning signs to look out for.

“These symptoms may not occur during the game, they may not even occur the next day, but they will occur,” Dr. frame.

When they occur, you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or mood changes.

And things get really serious when players suffer more than one concussion.

“We know very well that the young athlete suffers repeated concussions,” said Dr. frame. “Even if it spans a period of 5-10 years.”

He describes the brain as an egg because once it is damaged, it never truly heals.

“After you crack an egg and the second crack occurs, whether it’s a week, a month or a year later, the first crack has never healed,” said Dr. frame. “So a second bang and a third bang, those are cumulative concussions, they don’t repair damage to the brain very well.”

That’s why Denison Athletic Director Brent Whitson works with his players to prevent concussions before they even occur.

“We teach to try to keep the head out of contact,” he said. “And it helps that the kids who want to play want to keep playing and don’t let an injury like that stop them.”

And the Denison Yellowjackets also wear Guardian Caps — a padded cap that attaches to the outside of the helmet — during practice to add an extra layer of protection.

“It’s just common sense,” Whitson said. “You take another level to catch the blow before it reaches the head.”

But if there is any chance that a player could still experience concussion symptoms during the game, Dr. Frame some advice.

“I wouldn’t play against him, it’s just not worth it.”

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