Vernon Williams, MD, a neurologist and pain management physician at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, recently advised that team physicians make sure NFL athletes are completely free of concussion symptoms before returning to play, according to a Daily Titan news report.
He advises that heavier, larger helmets can affect a player's vision and promote neck injuries. New designs are being studied and could make an incremental difference but not eliminate the problem, he said.
Dr. Williams suggests team physicians educate players and coaches about the impact concussions can have on the players and teach them how to play in a manner that reduces the risk of concussions, such as limiting head-to-head, head-to-elbow and head-to-knee contact.
Read the Daily Titan report on concussions in the NFL.
Read other coverage on the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic:
- Kerlan-Jobe Physician Performs Surgery on Professional Baseball Player
- Study: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Score is the Best Assessment Tool for Rotator Cuff Pain
- Orthopedic and Spine Industry Leader to Know: Dr. Frank Jobe of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthpoaedic Clinic in Los Angeles
He advises that heavier, larger helmets can affect a player's vision and promote neck injuries. New designs are being studied and could make an incremental difference but not eliminate the problem, he said.
Dr. Williams suggests team physicians educate players and coaches about the impact concussions can have on the players and teach them how to play in a manner that reduces the risk of concussions, such as limiting head-to-head, head-to-elbow and head-to-knee contact.
Read the Daily Titan report on concussions in the NFL.
Read other coverage on the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic:
- Kerlan-Jobe Physician Performs Surgery on Professional Baseball Player
- Study: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Score is the Best Assessment Tool for Rotator Cuff Pain
- Orthopedic and Spine Industry Leader to Know: Dr. Frank Jobe of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthpoaedic Clinic in Los Angeles