Ask yourself; If you had concussion symptoms would you consult with an “athletic trainer” or a Neurologist?

You obviously don’t understand what an athletic trainer is or really does. Most concussions don’t show up on any type of imaging, not that you could do instant imaging on the sideline.

So one has to rely on quick assessments that question subjective symptoms and have several tests that can show objective data. The problem with concussions is that it is entirely possible to have a concussions and show little or no objective signs, at least ones that can be measured on the sideline. So one often has to rely on the subjective symptoms that an athlete may or may not have…and athletes lie. A LOT.

For my money, in a sideline assessment situation, I would take an athletic trainer over just about anyone (with the possible exception of a fellowship trained sports medicine specialist). In a case where symptoms are lingering for an extended period, and a long term care situation, a neurologist would be the next step to take. .

That’s the only reason why Harrison was suspended…to divert attention away from the PR nightmare caused by the failure of the league’s concussion protocol.

First of all, there are plenty of other steps the league can take (equipment mandates, for example) to begin to address concussions. As has been pointed out, doctors are able to diagnose a concussion. So an alternate to the meme-approaching “independent neurologist” would be that the team is fined (and the medical staff sanctioned) for any player that:

1) is diagnosed with a concussion in the week following a game, who…
…..a) was not given the cognitive test during the game, whether or not he returned to the game or was held out as a preventative measure, or…
…..b) was given the test but returned to the game

The only way to avoid a fine for the concussed player is if the injury was caught during the game and he was given the test.

Fine the teams considerably (to help change the culture), and give “cards” to the medical staffs. Two concussed players mishandled during the season? Yellow card. You’re suspended as field-side medical personnel for 4 games without pay. Another concussed player mishandled that season? Red card. You’re suspended for the rest of the season or 8 games, whichever is greater. If you incur two 8 game suspensions, black card. You’re out of a job with any team in the league.

That would alleviate any concerns that the medical personnel could be “pressured.” The fines to the teams would hopefully help to keep that “pressure” from being applied in the first place.

And, if you’re concerned that a concussed player would have his diagnosis hidden during the week to avoid that sort of fine and sanction, then include your “independent neurologist” (*gasp*, I used the meme) during the week. This wouldn’t be in the heat of the game. This wouldn’t be in a way that could directly (and immediately) impact a game, by forcing a player to sit out. It would be during the week… maybe even the day after a game… in a doctor’s office.

You know what else? It would be thorough and effective.

So don’t make this into, “these people are arguing that ‘concussion-diagnoses shouldn’t interfere with the flow of a game’? Are they serious? The health of a fellow human relegated to secondary importance by a football game?” That’s simply not the case. Not what I’m arguing for. The question is: is there a way to solve the concussion issue *without* interrupting the game, *without* over litigating it, *without* unnecessary delays, *without* keeping a player off the field needlessly, and *without* overly changing the on-field product.

The system I outlined, above, does just that.

Browns coaching and training staff: “Colt was hit? We didn’t see anything?”

Independent trainer: “You didn’t see anything? He was light up brighter than a Taliban training camp”

Browns: “Didn’t see a thing? He’s good now though, right?”

Trainer: “Ah, no. He’s laid out on the field. Stiffer than a board”

Browns: “We will check him out”

Time elapses …

Browns: “He says his finger hurts but he is good to go”

Trainer: “Did you give him a concussion test?”

Browns: “how can he get a concussion from a sore finger?”

Trainer: “Sigh. Maybe you guys need the concussion test?”

Browns: “How would that help Colt’s finger?”

Later at the press conference …

Walrus: “Our staff are the best”

As well, the medical liability issues would be tremendous. I don’t believe there is any medical liability carrier that would write a $100-150M policy to cover me in the event of a player who suffered a premature end to his career after my “independent neurological evaluation.”

The owner of the NFL team would have to sign the team over to me to accept that type of exposure. No thank you.

This will be known as the Cleveland Browns/McCoy Rule

It’s certainly easy to make such proclamations from on high when you have nothing invested in the sport. Get off your soapbox.

When discussing brain damage, it’s always good to go to the source.

1) Nutritionist at all McDonalds
2) Infectionious Disease Physicians at all Wh—houses
3) SWAT Team at all 7-11′s
4) feel free to add yours

It may sound like a good idea at first, but when you really think about it, it’s a situation that has FUBAR written all over it.

The game of football is being put in the hands of those not even playing, and it’s quite sickening. Between the erratic rules enforced by the fuhrer, to the inconsistent calls by the refs, and now doctors who can prevent a player from willingly going out to compete. It’s just crazy…

Isn’t it more likely the league fears that the independent neurologist could testify against the NFL or team in the currently filed or future concussion lawsuits.?

The most common symptoms are difficulty concentrating, blurred or double vision, headache, and balance deficits. What’s harder taking a test in the confines of quite room or outside in a crazed stadium?