Many traumatic brain injuries go undiagnosed
Sports agent Leigh Steinberg describes traumatic brain injury as "an undiagnosed health epidemic" and "a ticking time bomb." According to the Brain Injury Association of America, football is responsible for approximately 250,000 head injuries each year. The National Football Leagues estimates there are about 100 concussions per season. A player may suffer a concussion that could manifest itself later in life in the form of depression, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Jason Demery, a University of Florida clinical assistant professor in clinical and health psychology says the majority of those who sustain a single Mild TBI go on to recover spontaneously, but there are still 10 to 15 percent who still have persistent, post-concussive symptoms a year after their injury. He goes on to say that the incidence of depression and emotional complications can be one of the aspects of a traumatic brain injury. “The research shows the incidence can be as high as 70 or 80 percent after a single concussive episode,” he said.
