Injuries are an irrefutable aspect of sports. Although some are more prevalent than others, injuries come in all shapes and sizes. Recently, one injury has garnered a copious amount of negative attention: the concussion.

Illuminated by the recent Columbia Pictures film Concussion and the spike in CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) discovery, concussions are certainly in the spotlight. Concussions can strike at any age, at any time and in any sport. The scariest aspect of concussions are the unknown. The rate of recovery time varies, as do the symptoms and the healing processes. However, much progress has been made in the research field and steps in the right direction are being taken.

Scientists at Harvard University are working on a pill that could drastically decrease the rate of growth for CTE in the brains of football players. This could be a crucial step for the future of concussion treatment. The recent deaths of football players like Ken Stabler and Junior Seau have sparked uproarious controversy…controversy that has provoked parents to prevent their children from playing football and controversy that has prompted the United States Youth Soccer Association to ban head balls for players under the age of ten.

The problem facing lawmakers and doctors is finding a middle ground. On one side of the equation, there are the novices who don’t fully understand the direct impact that concussions can make. The other side features the extremists who, although are educated in the subject, might want to implement too much power into the situation. The ideal middle ground projects a future with the proper concussion regulations that doesn’t interfere with the nature of the game, whether it be football, baseball, soccer or anything in between.

Although the future of concussions is uncertain, the progress is undeniable. Doctors and neuroscientists are working on new processes every day to maintain the safety of sports for children, teenagers and professional athletes.

Putting our heads together to reduce the amount of concussions is something we can all agree upon.