Concussions I. Introduction A.

Interesting Fact/Information According to the University of Pittsburgh's Brain Trauma Research Center, more than 300,000 sports-related concussions occur in the United States each year. B. Thesis Statement Concussions have impacted society in many negative ways.

II. Background Information A. What is a Concussion? 1. There is a soft tissue in the brain that is cushioned by the blood and spinal fluid. The brain shifts inside the skull and can knock against the bony surface when someone gets a blow, jolt, or very hard hit in the head. 2. A concussion is the change in how the brain works for a certain amount of time after getting suddenly moved or jarred in a way. B. Symptoms of Concussions 1. Some of the main symptoms in a concussion fall under the categories of thinking and remembering, physical effects, emotional effects, and how someone sleeps. For example, they include not thinking clearly, dizziness, balance problems, being easily upset or angered, and having a hard time falling asleep. 2. Children may have some of the symptoms listed above, but they have some different symptoms also. These can include crying more than usual, changes in the way they play, loss of balance, trouble walking, and having more often temper tantrums. 3. Bleeding inside of the head or bruising the brain are very likely with severe head injuries. Often when a person gets a head injury they could be knocked out for a few minutes, act very confused, vomit repeatedly, or have extremely bad headaches. 4. After getting a concussion, most people will feel dazed, groggy, or in a fog for a bit. If they try to walk or do normal activities right away, they may be shaky or dizzy. They might also feel nauseated and could possibly vomit after experiencing the concussion. People will mostly have small headaches lasting for a few days to weeks. III. Technology/Advancements

A. What can players do? Players have a huge part of getting concussions, sometimes it's not just an unsafe helmet. To decrease their chances in ever getting a concussion, they need to pay attention to their surroundings. In knowing where they are on the field and where their opponents are, they can prepare themselves for any collisions. They also need to play by the rules by implying safe tackling techniques. This means that they should not lead with the head. B. CAT Scan 1. A special three dimensional brain X-ray, a CAT scan, is sometimes needed to test if there is any bleeding or bruising after a head injury. 2. When the person has lost consciousness or is feeling extremely sick in an emergency facility, these machines are especially used. C. Others 1. Some technological advance include simple things such as wearing a seatbelt in the car. For kids, booster seats could also be necessary. Seat belts and booster seats help to hold you in the car properly in case of an accident. Each state does have its own laws for booster seat requirements, but most kids need a booster seat until they're about 4'9". 2. Some ways to avoid concussions are to always look both ways before crossing the street and obeying traffic signals. Also, always use a crosswalk to avoid any accidents. 3. Always wear head gear or helmets when riding a bike, skateboard, playing contact sports, skiing or playing scooter. IV. Impact on Society A. Research Research shows that between four and 20 percent of college and high school football players will have a brain injury over the course of a season. Research shows that 60% of college soccer players had some of the symptoms of a concussion at least once in a season. Also, concussion rates in soccer are comparable to concussion rates in football. Athletes who have already suffered a concussion have a higher chance of suffering a second one. B. Negative

1. After having three concussions, you cannot play sports that could cause head injury. 2. " Concussions often cause significant and sustained neuropsychological impairments in information-processing speed, problem solving, planning, and memory, and these impairments are worse with multiple concussions." 3. Athletes who have already suffered a concussion have a higher chance of suffering a second one. 4. When the brain shakes cells become messed up and fire the neurotransmitters all at the same time, it fills the brain with a lot of unhealthy chemicals. The brain loses some receptors that have to do with learning and memory which results in confusion, blurred vision, memory lost, nausea, and a few times unconsciousness. V. Conclusions A. Concussions have a negative impact on society. Even though they have new technological advances, they can still be very harmful. B. Research shows that people that play football and soccer are much more likely to experience symptoms of concussions which they should report to a doctor. C. After experiencing a concussion, most people will feel many of the symptoms and report them to a doctor. Most doctors will use CAT scans to view the brain.