NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills, MD, defended the Indianapolis Colts' decision to allow quarterback Jacoby Brissett to continue playing after a fourth quarter hit that led to a late concussion diagnosis, according to SB Nation.
Here's what you need to know.
1. After taking a hit in the fourth quarter, Mr. Brissett was attended to by team medical staff and an independent neurotrauma consultant. The quarterback passed the initial concussion tests and was sent back to finish the game.
2. Following the loss, team medical staff and the neurotrauma consultant evaluated Mr. Brissett again, diagnosing him with a mild concussion. Dr. Sills, a neurosurgeon, noted it is not uncommon for concussions symptoms to be delayed or develop further over time.
3. Dr. Sills confirmed the Colts followed concussion protocol; however, he added it would have been better for Mr. Brissett to not return to the game. The neurosurgeon told SB Nation, "It's part of the frustration of us as medical practitioners trying to care for athletes with these injuries. But we recognize that concussion
is not one injury. It's a spectrum of injuries."
4. Dr. Sills also defended the NFL's current version of concussion protocol while admitting it was not perfect. The delayed symptoms make it more difficult for accurate diagnoses as links between NFL players and chronic traumatic encephalopathy continue to increase.