The concussion story is another example of what can happen when people stand up for their rights. As former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw said: The NFL is “forced to care because it’s politically correct to care. Lawsuits make you care.”
Will Smith’s portrayal of Dr. Bennet Omalu in the film Concussion has again sparked dialogue about the dangers of brain injuries, especially for young people playing contact sports in high school and college. Yet more than 100 million Americans gathered around big screen televisions throughout the nation on Sunday to watch historic Super Bowl 50, in which the Denver Broncos literally butted heads with the Carolina Panthers.
What’s the difference between a concussion and a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)? Absolutely nothing, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And while “mild” may not sound very sinister, repeated traumatic brain injuries can lead to a lifetime of brain damage and debilitating mental health issues.