Concussion in the Spotlight as Tua Tagovailoa Announces His Intent to Return to the Field

On Monday, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has been on injured reserve since sustaining a concussion during the team’s September 12 game against the Buffalo Bills, announced in a press conference he intends to return to the field to start in Sunday’s game after clearing the NFL’s concussion testing protocols.

When asked about his response to people who are worried about his health – his concussion earlier this season was his third diagnosed brain injury in two years – he said, “I appreciate your concern. I really do. I love this game. And I love it ‘til the death of me. That’s it.”

Tagovailoa’s decision to return to play and his history of repeated concussions has been a topic of discussion in the brain injury community. Despite being categorized as a mild traumatic brain injury – something the medical community is working to address – concussions are serious injuries that should be treated as such.

“An NFL player’s return to play cannot and should not be held up as evidence that concussions are innocuous injuries. The scrutiny an NFL quarterback receives in his concussion recovery is far more intense than that which a high school or college football player would receive,” said Dr. Gregory O’Shanick, National Medical Director Emeritus at the Brain Injury Association of America. “Repeated concussions can lead to long-term chronic health effects, which is why it is so important for anyone who sustains multiple concussions to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of another concussion.”

Although many people feel back to their normal selves within two or three weeks of sustaining a concussion, others report longer-term and even lifelong symptoms. This is particularly true for those who sustain more than one injury in a short period of time. Assessment, treatment, and avoiding secondary injury can prevent long-lasting consequences.

Approximately 15 percent of people who sustain a concussion experience side effects beyond the expected recovery window. Individuals who sustain multiple concussions are at higher risk of experiencing prolonged symptoms. Long-term effects of concussion are increased by repeat injury, and include:

• Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia
• Cognitive impairment
• Chronic headaches
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Endocrine disorders
• Pneumonia

If you need help with finding resources related to a concussion, please contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443.