In the midst of controversy over his condition and whether he should play just two weeks after suffering his first career concussion, University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow stepped onto the football field this past Saturday to start in the Gators' game against the LSU Tigers. What began the heated discussions was a hit during Florida's game against Kentucky: as Tebow was being sacked, his helmet struck a teammate's leg, leaving him motionless on the ground before he was finally able to make his way to the sideline, where he then began to vomit and display other signs of concussion. After suffering the serious brain injury, the Heisman Trophy winner was taken to a hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, where he spent Saturday night and was released on Sunday.
After undergoing balance and memory tests, avoiding reading or watching television (due to a lasting headache), and following other doctor recommendations for an extended period of time, Tebow was medically cleared to play with his team in their October 10th game. According to coach Urban Meyer, the quarterback understood the severity of his brain injury and took the proper precautions to ensure that he was recovering. One of the ways doctors determined the degree of his recovery was by comparing his recent test results to that of baseline tests taken in June. Baseline testing-- now used by many college football programs-- involves a 20-minute computerized test that is used to measure the visual motor skills, memory, speed, and brain processing of the athlete. When that athlete suffers a concussion, he goes through the same tests so that doctors can compare the results.
What can we learn from this incident of serious brain injury? No matter the severity of the head trauma, we can learn that sports often lead to serious injuries such as concussions. Although Tebow appeared to experience complete recovery from his injury within a couple weeks, others do not always heal as quickly or easily. We recently added a post to this Child Brain Injury Blog about the symptoms of concussions, their common link to sports, and the dangers of the serious head injury. In fact, a more recent post discussed an incident of fatal brain injury from concussion that occurred during a high school football game. If your child or teenager has been injured while playing sports and you believe he or she may have suffered a concussion or another type of brain injury, do not hesitate to seek medical care. For free resources and answers to your most important questions, contact child brain injury attorney Chris Keane. As an advocate for athletes and other young victims of brain injury, Keane will help you find the best medical care and rehabilitation for your child.
Click here to contact Chris Keane online or call 888-592-KIDS.
Relevant Link:
Tests to determine Tebow's return
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