The number of activities posing risks of traumatic brain injury for victims in Montana and the United States have multiplied in recent years. The consequences of TBI have already been felt in professional football especially after former NFL players began experiencing depression and Alzheimer symptoms at younger ages. However, those involved in action sports are now feeling the impact of TBI after a brain injury suffered by BMX legend Dave Mirra led to his death.
Repeated TBIs can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which can only be diagnosed after death. Athletes, combat veterans and other persons who suffered repeated concussions face the risk of CTE. Although helmets provide some protection, the brain still receives a jostling from an impact which may lead to tau deposits, which contribute to CTE.
Department of Veterans Affairs and Boston University researchers found that CTE affects 80 percent of all football players. Participants in other mainstream sports such as hockey and soccer also face the risk of brain injury. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are from 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions each year in this country.
The 41-year-old Mirra was diagnosed with CTE after his death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head on February 4. He received numerous head injuries during his career on a bike and after boxing. He became the first action sports star to have a CTE diagnosis.
Researchers fear head injury dangers at the 3,100 skate parks in this country. Operators, often municipalities, which run these parks rarely enforce rules on required helmets and pads. Also, action sport participants also try to surpass their limitations in these sports. Injured participants, like injured athletes did in traditional sports, prematurely return to play after suffering a head injury.
At least in other sports also face the possibility of TBI. The National Ski Areas Association, for example, reported an increase in the number of skiers and snowboarders incurring a TBI that necessitated a doctor’s visit increased by 106 from 2004 and 2010.
Victims of TBI , whether it be at the hands of a negligent driver, on account of a dangerous workplace or because someone did not take adequate precautions in athletic or other activities, often face numerous and long-lasting health and financial consequences. Prompt legal representation can help assure that the right to accident compensation can be pursued in a legal action.
Source: Healthline, “Risk of brain injury increases as action sports gain momentum,” Brian Krans, June 3, 2016
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