Concussions are brain injuries that occur when a person receives a blow to the head, face, or neck.
Although most people who suffer a concussion experience initial bouts of dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness, these symptoms often disappear after a few days.
The long-term effects of concussions, however, are less understood and farmore severe.
Recent studies suggest that people who suffer multiple concussions are at a significant risk for developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE),
a degenerative brain disorder that causes a variety of dangerous mental and emotional problems to arise weeks, months, or even years after the initial injury.
These psychological problems can include
depression, anxiety, memory loss, inability to concentrate, and aggression.
In extreme cases, people suffering from CTE have even committed suicide or homicide.
The majority of people who develop these issues are athletes who participate in popular high-impact sports, especially football.
Although both new sports regulations and improvements in helmet technology can help protect players, the sports media and fans alike bear some of the responsibility for reducing the incidence of these devastating injuries.