Story examined health issues, both short- and long-term, related to sports concussions, primarily among high school and college athletes, and the intensive research on the subject that is being conducted in southeast Wisconsin. The 6,500-word piece includes the personal stories of a number of athletes who have suffered mild traumatic brain injuries on the field of play. It also focuses on the research that has been conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin, most of it in relative anonymity until a recent intensified focus on the topic driven by the brain health battles facing former professional football players and a purported cover-up by the National Football League. Story also takes a look at a unique sports head-injury clinic operated by Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin that focuses on the treatment of concussions in younger athletes. Key finding is that with proper rest and a graduated return to action, most athletes who suffer concussions will experience little to no long-term ramifications. Conversely, those who don’t follow proper protocol are at risk for repeated concussions and possible long-term and often devastating brain health issues, including CTE.
