Long Term Effects

That a sports concussions have an adverse short-term effect on cognitive functioning has long been known.  But a new study by researchers in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois supports a growing body of evidence that the injury could have effects that linger for years.

The finding by a neuropathologist that brain damage from repeated concussions suffered by former NFL star Andre Waters likely led to his depression and ultimate death by suicide in November 2006 highlights once again the critical need for parents and youth athletes to become educated and proactive about concussions.

A new Canadian study of elite athletes playing contact sports suggests that the symptoms of depression some athletes experience in the weeks, months and even years after a concussion may be the result of physical changes in their brains caused by the concussions themselves.