Experts: Small hits dangerous in long-term concussion testing

Small hits are dangerous when happening reptitively over time, expert says

DETROIT – From youth sports all the way through the pros, an increased knowledge of the effects of brain injuries has produced a shift in concussion awareness.

While the hardest hits are easy to spot, Dr. Andrew Russman, of Cleveland Clinic, said experts are now beginning to understand that the smaller hits may be just as dangerous in the long term.

"There's some increased concern that sub-concussive, that is, impacts to the head that do not result in a concussion, may not be so benign and they may not only sensitize us to future concussion, but there may be consequences of these when they occur repetitively over a long period of time," Russman said.

Russman said experts are focusing attention on the long-term impact of repetitive head trauma. He said the long-term risk of repetitive hits, even if they don't result in immediate concussions, is actually greater than when a player suffers a single concussive blow.

Russman said changes in rules that cover routine activities at the youth, high school, collegiate and even professional levels are reducing exposure for athletes from the repetitive injury that experts are most concerned about.

For example, U.S. soccer, has instituted new guidelines that govern heading the ball among young soccer players.

Russman said changing the way athletes practice is just as important as regulating what happens during the game.

"The number of contact practices increases the risk of concussions that may occur, not only in practice, but in competition environments," Russman said.

With any concussion, Russman said timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for recovery and for preventing more serious potential complications. Athletes should be 100 percent symptom-free before returning to play after a concussion.


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You can watch Kimberly Gill weekdays anchoring Local 4 News at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and streaming live at 10 p.m. on Local 4+. She's an award-winning journalist who finally called Detroit home in 2014. Kim has won Regional Emmy Awards, and was part of the team that won the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast in 2022.

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