Actually, the research shows that nobody makes a full recovery. They may appear to make a full recovery but when the brain is put under stress, the lingering problems will become evident. When the medical and psychological industry start telling this truth, then things may start to change.

The problem is the threshold of "full recovery." It is expensive and or impossible to measure because there is a need for a before and after assessment of mental capabilities. A neuro-psych assessment is only done after a problem.

The ImPACT Test and CNS Vital Signs Test try to address this with baseline testing. It is not possible to get a complete baseline in just 30 minutes of computer testing. They are both a good start just as Dr Gioia's testimony is a good start.

Drs Gioia and Collins have created some evaluation protocols as a weak start. I have copies on my desk. The need for accurate self-reporting is a big problem, especially with athletes. The insurance companies and other responsible parties continue to fight against any recognition of long term problems. Only the worst and most obvious symptoms are recognized and even those are often attributed to somatic, malingering, and litigation issues.

The courts continue to rule that most diagnostic procedures that point to concussion are imprecise. The obvious brain injured get rehabilitated to levels that are considered a full recovery because they can live independently. They still have many limitations. It appears that full recovery means 'recovered as much as possible.'

It is those of us who never lost motor function who are considered 'fully recovered' because the rehab specialists can not help us recover any more. Most people consider me fully recovered from all outward observations. But ask my wife. She will tell you about how each concussion has led to less recovery wit more pronounced residual problems.

I used to think I was fully recovered until my concussion in 1996. When I asked others about how they observed me. They all saw changes that did not recover, dating back to 1965. When I charted my concussions and compared them to my academic record, I saw a direct correlation.

For some, the long term symptoms may just appear to be a greater level of symptoms from the next concussion. This is the only issue that many professionals agree on.

The same argument goes on regarding marijuana and alcohol. But the science shows that both increase the risk of later problems. Just a few "blotto" alcohol experiences in the teens will effect the person for a lifetime. Long term moderate use of marijuana greatly increases the risk of psychosis later in life.

But by listening to the mainstream both are considered to be benign as long as you avoid operating automobiles.

When there is a lnadmark decision that places liability on the entity that failed to provide proper informed consent, one will likely see a drastic change in how concussion is presented.

We have always had competitive sports but the intensity is getting much higher. Girls want to get sports scholarships. Guys compete for extremely competitive scholarship opportunities. The 'shake it off and play harder' mantra is still in the minds of most athletes and many coaches.

Our prisons are full of concussion caused brain injured people. The numbers are thought to be 60 percent or more with brain injuries.

We need the industry to stop saying "FULL RECOVERY." It enables athletes to continue to get injured. They then negatively impact a society that has very little tolerance for their struggles.

Well, it looks like rain and my soap box will get slippery. LOL.