15 June 2012 - They may not result in bruises, breaks, or even loss of limb but the results of concussions can be disastrous, leading to severe brain trauma as well as psychological and neurological disorders.
They are injuries that the NFL knows too well. Six out of 10 NFL athletes have suffered concussions and nearly one-third reported having three or more, according to a 2000 study conducted by the American Academy of Neurology. In a more recent study, conducted in 2007 by the University of North Carolina's Center for the Study of Retired Athletes, 20 percent of the retired athletes who recalled having three or more concussions suffered from depression.
But while the consequences are pervasive, the problem is not unique to athletes.
For General Raymond T. Odierno, chief of staff for the U.S. Army, concussions are often looked at as lesser injuries and are rarely discussed among his soldiers.
"We have to make them [the soldiers] understand that you have to come forward because it has to be treated," Odierno said.
For this reason, he and the United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) have partnered with the NFL to try and eradicate the stigma associated with head injuries. He met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell last month to discuss how a future campaign will play out. read more>>>
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