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As a long-time football fan, the movie “Concussion” struck a nerve with me. It delved into the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, a neuropathologist who discovered Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in the brains of deceased NFL players. While I was aware of the controversy surrounding concussions in football, the movie left me wondering how much of the story was based on real events.
Is The Movie Concussion Based On A True Story
Turns out, “Concussion” is a highly dramatized retelling of a true story. The core elements of the plot are accurate, but many details have been altered for cinematic purposes.
Fact or Fiction in “Concussion”
Fact: Dr. Omalu was a neuropathologist who discovered CTE in the brains of deceased NFL players.
Fiction: The movie depicts Omalu as facing intense opposition from the NFL and other medical professionals. In reality, while there was some skepticism, Omalu’s findings were met with general acceptance by the medical community.
Fact: The NFL initially denied the link between football and CTE.
Fiction: The movie portrays the NFL as actively trying to suppress Omalu’s research. While the NFL was initially slow to acknowledge the risks of CTE, it has since invested in research and rule changes to enhance player safety.
A Deeper Dive into the True Story
Dr. Bennet Omalu, played by Will Smith in the movie, was a Nigerian-born neuropathologist working at the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office in Pittsburgh. In 2002, he performed an autopsy on former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster and discovered a new brain disease that he named Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. It is characterized by the accumulation of a protein called tau in the brain, which leads to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, aggression, and depression. CTE has been linked to football and other sports that involve frequent head impacts.
Omalu’s discovery of CTE was a major breakthrough in the understanding of brain injuries in sports. However, the NFL initially denied the link between football and CTE, leading to a long and contentious battle between the league and the medical community.
In recent years, the NFL has taken steps to address the issue of CTE. The league has invested in research on CTE and has implemented new rules designed to reduce the risk of head injuries. The NFL has also settled lawsuits with former players who suffered from CTE.
Tips and Expert Advice
If you are concerned about the risks of concussions, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself or your child:
- Consider playing a sport that has a lower risk of injury. Sports like swimming or track and field have a much lower risk of concussion than sports like football or hockey.
- Wear a helmet when playing sports. A helmet can help protect your head from impact and reduce your risk of concussion.
- Tell your coach or athletic trainer if you have any symptoms of a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.
- Take time off from playing sports if you have a concussion. It is important to rest your brain after a concussion to allow it to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is CTE?
A: CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. It is characterized by the accumulation of a protein called tau in the brain, which leads to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, aggression, and depression.
Q: What are the symptoms of a concussion?
A: Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.
Q: How can I reduce my risk of concussion?
A: You can reduce your risk of concussion by playing a sport that has a lower risk of injury, wearing a helmet when playing sports, and telling your coach or athletic trainer if you have any symptoms of a concussion.
Conclusion
The movie “Concussion” is a dramatized retelling of a true story that shed light on the risks of concussions in football. While some details have been altered for cinematic purposes, the core elements of the story are accurate.
If you are concerned about the risks of concussions, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself or your child. By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of concussion and enjoy sports safely.
Are you interested in learning more about the risks of concussions? Check out these additional resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
- Headcase Company
Is The Movie Concussion Based On A True Story
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