Comments on: What Crosby’s return means for concussion recovery

By: cshearing

cshearing — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:08:00 +0000

I saw a report recently that said mouth guards reduce concussion occurrence by around 5%. Not good at all. The most recent research I have looked at also points to the fact that the helmet might not be all that important either, other than to prevent that direct impact to the skull.

That direct impact is not what causes most concussions; it is the brain being sloshed around too quickly inside the skull and becoming “bruised” that is the culprit. No matter how hard the helmet this can happen. Some researchers are looking into ways to increase the pressure of the fluid inside the skull to prevent as much “sloshing”. This avenue might be promising, but more research is needed.

By: cshearing

cshearing — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:51:33 +0000

You are assuming bigger equipment will stop these concussions, when it most likely has led to more concussions. Face shields?!?! What do they have to do with concussions?

We need to get rid of the hard plastic armor these guys wear for elbow and shoulder pads first. Better diagnosis and treatment will help too. Crosby’s treatment can probably be used as a blueprint on how to treat. His diagnosis? Not so much. Who know if he even misses much more time if he does not return too soon for that Tampa game?

By: sknut

sknut — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:20:08 +0000

Granted its from afar but it does seem the helmets could be improved. I would think the technology is there and how many players wear mouth guards? I believe I heard that mouth guards could prevent some injuries as well.

By: 8man

8man — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:56:51 +0000

Here’s what I’m hoping for, that the league can find a way using rules and equipment to significantly reduce the incidents of concussion. I remember Marc Savard’s press conference last year. I could see in his eyes that he was finished. We put men on the moon over 40 years ago. We can’t equip sports players well enough to minimize concussions?

Bigger helmets and full cages for everyone!