A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that is caused when an external force collides with the brain. Recently, concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury, have become a major cause for concern, specifically in the context of sports.
It is estimated that, each year, emergency rooms in the United States treat over 170,000 concussions and other sport-related traumatic brain injuries in individuals age 19 and under. In the last 10 years, that number has increased by 60%. Statistics show that football and girls’ soccer have the highest rate of head injury, while bicycling, playing in a playground, and basketball, follow close behind.
Truthfully, these numbers are much higher. Concussion symptoms aren’t always apparent at first. Often, athletes continue with their activity, not realizing the seriousness of their injury. Most people don’t know that continuing to participate after a concussion occurs can cause permanent brain damage or even death. Recognizing this serious problem, the Cleveland Clinic is using technology to protect concussed athletes from further escalating their traumatic brain injury.
C3 Logix (Cleveland Clinic Concussion System) is an iPad app, developed and used by the Cleveland Clinic to detect concussions.
This concussion app gives coaches, trainers, and parents to ability to know immediately and definitively whether an athlete has a concussion, and whether it is dangerous for that athlete to continue physical activity. The C3 records the athletes reaction time, memory, vision, and information processing. Furthermore, when the device is attached directly to the athlete, the app has the ability to track changes in postural stability.
Over 50 schools in Northeast Ohio use the app to protect their student athletes. Many times concussions occur without a loss of consciousness, and it may take hours for an athlete to even know something is wrong.
The failure to detect and treat concussions and/or any type of traumatic brain injury can have lasting, long term effects.
Brain injury can permanently change a person’s memory, behavior, ability to learn, and emotions. Furthermore, undetected brain injuries can cause long-term disability and can even be fatal. That is why it is important for coaches and trainers to be prepared and aware of any head injuries. This app makes that possible.
However, apps like the concussion app developed by Cleveland Clinic are not yet available to everyone, so it’s still up to us to recognize symptoms and know the appropriate steps for treatment. Common concussion symptoms include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Problems with memory
- Lack of attention span
- Slowed reaction time
- Bad balance
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired
- Feeling irritable
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Problems with eyesight
- Loss of consciousness
If you experienced a concussion or any other traumatic brain injury, cease all physical activity, and see a doctor immediately. If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury as a result of negligence, or you feel that your brain injury was not treated correctly, you have to call me right away at 1 (800) 556-4769.
As your brain injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
