How a Loophole Cleared Tua Tagovailoa of a Concussion - Doctor Explains

This is how some ambiguity in the NFL concussion protocol played a role in clearing Tua Tagovailoa from having a concussion just 4 days before we witnessed a clear brain injury against the Bengals.

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I'm a doctor and a sports fan and this channel is dedicated to exploring the unique medical side of the world of sports, including NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC, and many more! Breaking down the biggest what ifs, historical injuries and stories, and making learning about medicine fun and relevant for all sports fans!

DISCLAIMER: Content not intended to be taken as medical advice. Opinions are my own and do not represent those of my employer. I have not personally treated or evaluated the individual(s) discussed in this video. Content used with educational and transformative intent within Fair Use Guidelines
Content owned and produced by Brian Sutterer LLC 2022

[kingjulien]

Thank You for educating me few years ago when I tore my Achilles. I've been watching since then.

[ThomasThomas-xgvk]

The reason it was deemed orthopedic was because the Dolphins were tied at 14 going into half time against their division rivals.

[dustinbarron]

My issue was with the lack of urgency the NFLPA seemed to have with regards to their investigation. They weren't even going to start talking to people until after Tua was at risk of a potential SIS. The NFLPA failed to represent this player adequately and they should be ashamed. This union has absolutely no teeth.

[MFfuji]

The fact that he almost did the same thing Sunday with his hands is super crazy and something I think everyone missed.

[superbiaant]

This was a great breakdown of the Tua situation. I also love that he basically properly expressed that we should try to “keep the same energy” moving forward. Will do doc!

[BlimeyOreiley]

Props for putting this info out Doc. People need to realise what these blokes put on the line for our entertainment.

[JA-utfi]

The fact there's a "loop hole" of any kind involving head injuries is just sick.

[bcat]

Appreciate your insight on this case. Regardless of what kind of injury the first one was, the NFL should definitely revise its protocol on how to handle potential neuro injuries.

[bruceallen]

Sir, The NFL needs to hire you to write the rules and make these calls because it is clear that you are incredibly knowledgeable and forthcoming with injuries in the sports world! Thanks for your channel Brian!

[jamesteele]

Finally a real doctor speaks. Thank you. We as fans really have no idea how to react to this incident, so we have to blame someone. Thank you for clarifying when the entire internet is exploding.

[tad]

Exactly and thank you for posting this. Medicine, especially in the emergency/initial setting, is all about 'differential diagnosis' - evaluating all the potential possibilities. You can't "rule out" any cause without a thorough evaluation, scans, etc.

[adamaizenberg]

Thanks Doc, that hit he took really shook me up a bit there, I think a lot of us felt that way. Just glad he’s ok. No need to rush him back at all.

[vipahman]

Back of the head concussion (like what Tua suffered twice) is a medula oblongata impact that can affect voluntary and involuntary functions. Tua displayed the classic symptoms both times. Front of the head concussion (like what WRs get when taken down from behind) is a cerebral impact that affects memory and consciousness.

[SadSoftLib]

Mason Rudolph had some bad postering a few years ago from a hit to the jaw by a helmet and he was out for like 3 weeks. Crazy sport.

[Minidorf]

I continue to enjoy your videos, Brian! Thank you for your candor when it comes to all things in sports medicine. It is just so important to protect the health of these athletes in the sports they love to play! Ultimately, their health is more important than anything else, and certainly more important than a W in a single game.

[strawdog]

This guy is so articulate, he's a pleasure to watch. Thanks for the info.

[Gojira]

“I think the media has a responsibility in these situations to call things like we see it, to push harder, to ask these harder questions”
I very much like what you said here, not only in this particular situation but in any situation thats covered with large media attention. I feel that the media in many cases are more concerned with views, rating than covering the truth and facts.
Your videos are very informative and provides a refreshing take on sports medicine and science. Keep up the great content.

[jaxn]

Hey doc
I think it’s awesome to learn medical things like this from you
I watch a lot of sports shows and often time I hear them say things about injuries that sound true to a normal person but in reality it’s false information
I’m glad I can watch this and get a real idea of what might be going on with injuries from a real medical advisor

[theshow]

Excellent break down. Prayers for Tua!

[alexanderlazarus-hall]

This is NOT just on the neurologist that cleared him. Mike McDaniels could have seen what happened on Sunday and taken him out of the game. He could also have keep him out on Thursday. There are lots of people involved that need to be held accountable for their actions.