NFL’s Concussion Protocol Updated “Ataxia” A Prohibited Symptom
According to a statement made public on Saturday, the NFL and NFLPA’s investigation into quarterback Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins’ Concussion Protocol evaluation determined that both outside medical experts and the team medical staff adhered to the league’s concussion guidelines.
The NFL’s conclusion that “the outcome, in this case, is not what was intended when the guidelines were developed” is the most important one to remember.
I spoke with Dr. Bennet Omalu, the doctor credited with discovering CTE. He says the NFL — instead of seeking his counsel for their concussion protocol — has never reached out and instead engaged in a "smear campaign to delegitimize" his work. "I still have to help save lives."
— Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) October 8, 2022
After the Bills game, Tagovailoa gained widespread attention, but four days later, when he suffered a concussion after being tackled by Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Josh Tipou in the second quarter of a Thursday night game, the attention only grew more intense.
After receiving treatment at a hospital in Cincinnati, Tagovailoa travelled home with the Dolphins while sporting a neck brace. According to Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa’s examinations for head and neck issues were negative.
Nyheim Hines has been ruled out of Colts-Broncos due to NFL concussion protocol, per @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/DyiXrh6NEi
— ESPN (@espn) October 7, 2022
The independent physician who treated Tagovailoa after he was hurt versus Buffalo was ultimately fired by the NFLPA.
Tagovailoa is still in the concussion recovery process and will miss the Dolphins’ subsequent away game against the New York Jets on Sunday. Additionally, he won’t be going to New Jersey with the club.
I’ve seen a lot of back injuries and a lot of head injuries. People with back injuries do NOT look like this. The NFL review is BS. NFL concussion protocol needs a massive overhaul. #TuaTagovailoa #concussion
pic.twitter.com/5V360P6OZ0— Ryan T. Cleary, MD (@ryanclearyMD) October 8, 2022
What Is The Updated Concussion Protocol
Before the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants game in London, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made a hint about the move.
Here is the updated concussion protocol checklist. Notice ataxia added on the right side under "no-go" pic.twitter.com/LcuFb4SLmt
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 8, 2022
Ataxia has been added as a prohibited symptom to the league’s concussion protocol, which will take effect for Sunday’s Week 5 games. Any player exhibiting symptoms of ataxia, a neurological condition characterized by abnormalities of balance/stability, motor coordination, or disordered speech, is not permitted to continue playing.
The NFL has agreed to modify its concussion protocol to prevent players with "ataxia" or "abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue" from playing in games. https://t.co/YovULVWhRT
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 9, 2022
The word “gross motor instability” has been substituted with “Ataxia,” which has also been added to the list of symptoms that would prevent a player from returning to the game. The other three are disorientation, forgetfulness, and unconsciousness.
Here’s the key amendment to the NFL’s concussion protocol. If a player is diagnosed w/abnormal balance, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech (known as ataxia) the player is a no go to return to game. pic.twitter.com/SlypLx2ETh
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) October 8, 2022
According to the league and union’s announcement, the Protocol’s goal is to provide high-quality concussion care for every player, in which case “every medical practitioner engages in a meaningful and rigorous assessment of the player-patent.” In order to guarantee that our Protocol reflects the desired cautious approach to examining player-patients for potential brain injuries, the parties are still committed to reviewing it regularly.”
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