The human brain is a fiendishly complicated and ultimately, delicate, organ precariously balanced on the top of our spines in a hard case of bone. The human skull has evolved to do a fairly good job of protecting its precious contents against most normal day-to-day bumps and scrapes, but it isn’t really up to the task of protecting the brain during unusually hard collisions. Those kind of collisions can result in the brain sloshing against the interior of the skull, resulting in an injury known as a concussion.
New biomedical science suggests that there is no such thing as a “minor concussion,” any such injury can result in permanent brain damage. Many University of Wisconsin Badger football players, however, downplay the warnings — perhaps to their ultimate detriment.
Luke Schaetzel is a freelance contributor to the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, and he’s been researching this story for some time. He joins Eight O’Clock Buzz host Brian Standing, in the studio.
Featured image is modified photo from Brad Horn/Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism.