By Meagan Dorsch
Approximately 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually with 52,000 dying. While most of these injuries are mild, resulting in short-term disruption, such as from a concussion, many are severe, resulting in prolonged unconsciousness or amnesia and occasionally leading to permanent disability or death.
State lawmakers are working to develop policies dealing with TBI that seek to prevent injuries from occurring, diagnose cases of TBI, and to respond and rehabilitate TBI patients effectively. Two populations particularly vulnerable to TBI that policymakers have addressed are athletes, especially youth athletes, and veterans.
In this edition of The Buzz, we talk with Hollie Hendrikson, a policy analyst at the National Conference of State Legislatures who is tracking state legislation regarding TBI. Hollie talks about
Listen to this podcast (3:10) and find out what measures states are taking to protect young athletes.
You can also learn what steps states have taken to prevent traumatic brain injuries in youth sports.
Also, you can read an interview with NFL Commissioners Roger Goodell as he talks about the importance of laws to help prevent head injuries in students athletes in the February edition of State Legislatures Magazine. You can also view videos about legislation and see other steps the NFL is taking to improve football safety.


