The science of a concussion
The evolution of helmet technology
Sideline protocols and rule changes
The 2026 mental health milestone
YOUR GOAL
Master of The concussion question
misslily The Science of Concussions
It's the twist, not the hit, that stretches our pathways, but team clinicians are here to heal the mind.
misslily Hundreds of minor, symptom-free hits over a season can cause cumulative brain changes even without a diagnosed concussion.
misslily Rotational forces, or the twisting of the brain inside the skull, are often far more dangerous than straightforward linear impacts.
misslily Learn what science shows about football concussions, how safety protocols and helmets are changing, and the new 2026 mental health clinician rule.
Brain consistency: Your brain is actually about the consistency of soft gelatin, which is why sudden jolts can easily warp and stretch its delicate pathways.
A temporary loss of brain function caused by a blow or injury to the head. In football, this injury occurs when rapid rotational forces cause the brain to twist inside the skull.
In what year did neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu first identify CTE in a deceased professional football player?
What immediate chemical change happens in the brain right after a concussive impact?
Why can Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) currently only be diagnosed after a person has passed away?
What abnormal protein builds up in the brain of someone suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?
What are minor head impacts called that do not show immediate concussion symptoms but can cause cumulative damage?
Which part of the brain cell gets stretched and damaged during a high-impact rotational hit?
Which type of force causes the head to twist, stretching nerve axons deep within the brain?