Concussions should never be ignored. Even minor head and brain trauma can create serious, lifelong complications. This is sadly illustrated by hockey superstar Sidney Crosby and his battle with multiple, career-killing concussions.
Crosby’s first reported concussion occurred during the Winter Classic in 2011. Four days later, Crosby received his second concussion when his head was driven into the boards during a game. He suffered severe concussion symptoms and was sidelined multiple times.
“Concussions are still kind of a mysterious thing. We do know a lot more now, but there are still things that we can learn and hopefully ways and methods we can learn to either heal or to find out more about the actual extent of the injuries,” Crosby said in The Globe and Mail.
The silver lining of Crosby’s tragic injuries is growing public awareness about the seriousness of head injuries and concussions. The “Crosby effect” illustrates, that many people associate head injuries with athletics, but ordinary falls are actually the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Ignoring a concussion or brain injury can create serious, lifelong complications including death. Sadly, many people liken concussions to the common cold and fail to seek proper medical treatment. According to The Province, concussions even have their own colourful phrases including: having your bell rung, your brain rattled or your eggs scrambled.
For more information:
- Rebuilding Sidney Crosby’s Brain, Macleans
- Crosby Discusses Lengthy Recovery Road from Concussions, Safety of the Game, The Globe and Mail
