Here are four takeaways:
1. Repetitive blows to the head can put athletes at risk for brain damage, and over time, damage can accumulate at the cellular level and can lead to irreversible brain damage.
2. According to Dr. Omalu, the human brain becomes fully developed at about 18 to 25 years old, and so we should wait for the children to grow up and be provided with the information and education on the risk of play and let them make their own decisions.
3. Kevin D. Walter, MD, program director for Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, said although this is a conversation worth having, physicians do not fully know what leads to that damage, like how much is too much and when does it begin.
4. Dr. Walter stated youth sports should provide an environment that focuses on identifying concussions and getting athletes proper treatment, as well making sure the coaches are appropriately trained and know about concussions.
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6 orthopedic surgeons treating professional athletes — November 2015
