Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during the TNF and was taken to a Cincinnati hospital. The QB traveled with the Dolphins back to Miami.
The Bengals' win over the Dolphins at the start of Week 4 was overshadowed by Tua Tagovailoa's concussion. The injury of the Alabama product caused a stir because, since week 3, the QB showed signs of brain problems after a tackle by Matt Milano.
In this regard, Miami assured that Tagovailoa approved the league's concussion protocol during the match against Buffalo. But what do the NFL guidelines say about brain injuries in players?
This protocol was initially in the 2011 campaign and is constantly updated to have "the most current medical consensus in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment s from the Players Association; this group is known as the NFL head, neck, and spine committee.
The league has independent athletic trainers and unaffiliated neural trauma consultants to ensure no head injuries at every game.
The affected element leaves the match, his helmet is removed, and he is subjected to some tests by team doctors and one of the consultants not affiliated with the NFL.
In the case of the player questioned about the event, his way of speaking and walking is evaluated, in addition to the movement of the eyes and the response of the pupils.
The play is also reviewed, concussion symptoms are looked for, and an examination is done to determine the level of response. If the athlete passes the exams, he can rejoin the match; otherwise, he is taken to the stadium locker room.
Inside the locker room, club doctors and consultants again conduct two tests a standardized concussion assessment tool (approved by the International Concussion in Sport Group) and a complete neurological exam.
The NFL warns those involved should be aware of worsening symptoms; in this case, you cannot return to play. If players fail again, they must be kept in the locker room, undergo regular medical evaluations, and experience another neurological exam.
Upon confirmation of a concussion, the player must go through a five-step process to rejoin the NFL. This is the procedure to return to activity.
Players should rest and avoid physical and cognitive activities that may increase or aggravate symptoms. Under medical supervision, they can start balance training and progress to light aerobic exercise.
Neurocognitive testing may be done, and the results determine whether you can proceed to the next step.
Physical activity can be increased to replicate sport-related exercises; there must be supervision. The limit for these types of workouts should be 30 minutes or less.
At this point in the process, players can perform non-contact sports activities such as throwing, catching, running, and actions related to their position. At this point, the neurocognitive and balance tests must be passed.
Before a player can join contact activities, he must be examined by an independent neurological consultant assigned by the club. If the athlete passes the consultant and doctor tests, he can participate with his team without restrictions.
The NFL does not have an estimated time to complete these five steps, and only when the entire process is covered is the player allowed to return.
Login To Leave a Comment