Burfict Concussion

[oncemoreuntothejimbreech]

(12-24-2016, 12:15 PM)Sled21 Wrote: Having your bell rung and being concussed are not the same thing.

This information is from the Center for Sports Concussions at Idaho State University . . .

Quote:“Bell-Ringers” are Concussions

Many people often use or hear the term “bell-ringer” or “ding” to describe momentary states of confusion or disorientation that results after being hit on the head. The casual term tends to infer that such injuries are not reason to be concerned. This is not the case. Bell-ringers or dings are the most common type of concussion, yet in youth and high school sport they are often not taken seriously. In fact, many go unreported. In addition to the very real threat of Second Impact Syndrome, which typically results in death, several studies have clearly shown these mild instances of concussion can have significant neurocognitive effects.Additional symptoms can have delayed onset. While many in the athletic community tend to believe bellringers or dings heal rapidly and warrant continuation of physical activity, the cellular and functional damage to the brain can take much longer than several minutes to resolve. Continuing to ignore the very real threat bell-ringers and dings present puts the health and safety of the young athlete at definite risk. Therefore, it’s best not return athletes to play who have sustained any type of concussive injury.

Immediately after Burfict was hit he was staggering because his brain was unable to control his normal bodily function resulting in an abnormal gait.  This is known as a neurological deficeit.  The reason he had a temporary neurologic deficeit which resulted in an abnormal gait was because he was stunned from having his brain smack against the inside of his skull so hard that it temporarily resulted in a loss of normal function.  It is a concussion by definition.  I could tell from my couch just by observing Burfict's behavior.  
If you are a parent with kids who play sports or a coach at any level, it is important you know that an athlete who gets their bell rung or gets dinged has suffered a concussion and they shouldn't be allowed to return to play until cleared medically.  The obsolete return to play protocol allowed athletes to return to play within 15 minutes of suffering a mild concussion with a normal exam.  That has been largely abandoned.  The current recommendation is a step wise return to play individualized to each athlete for each concussion.