Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa unfortunately suffered another concerning concussion, displaying an abnormal posturing response on the field, similar to what we saw last season. Let us take a closer look at Tua’s situation, especially what happened during the third quarter against the Bills.
As many saw, Tua Tagovailoa took a hit that led to an immediate and apparent posturing response. This type of abnormal posturing, often seen after a concussion, indicates clear brain trauma. We’re going to explore what happened last season, compare it with what occurred this time, and discuss the potential implications for Tua’s health.
Last season, Tua Tagovailoa experienced a concerning concussion with similar visual signs. These outward displays don’t necessarily mean a more severe concussion but indicate that brain trauma has occurred. Abnormal posturing, like the fencing response, is a classic sign of brain injury. This response involves an arm extending outward, reactivating primitive reflexes in the brain stem due to brain trauma.
In Tua’s case, his right hand displayed this abnormal posturing. This contraction is not voluntary but a result of brain trauma activating neural pathways abnormally. The hit Tua received involved an axial load combined with rotation, leading to a forceful impact on his brain, which can cause such posturing responses.
As the hit occurred, Tua’s head was compressed and rotated, causing significant stress on the brain. This rotational force can damage neurons and lead to widespread neurotransmitter activation. The combined axial and rotational forces can also impact the brain stem, which may explain the external posturing observed.
The impact caused Tua’s head to smack against the turf, potentially contributing to the posturing response. On the field, we saw his right leg and hand displaying signs of muscle activation, not due to being unconscious but from abnormal brain activity.
Initially, Tua’s right leg was tensed, and his right hand displayed the fencing response. As he tried to move, his hands showed further abnormal posturing. These visible signs indicate significant brain trauma, even if Tua Tagovailoa appeared dazed when coming off the field. The presence of tonic posturing automatically rules out the possibility of continuing play, regardless of his symptoms.
While these signs are concerning, they don’t necessarily mean a prolonged recovery. The severity and recovery time depend on the individual’s history and symptoms. Each concussion is unique, and there is no set number of concussions that disqualify an athlete. The approach to recovery will be cautious, considering Tua’s history of head injuries.
If Tua’s recovery is quick and he remains asymptomatic, he may return to play. However, repeated concussions raise concerns about long-term brain health. Decisions about his future will involve multiple specialists and the athlete’s input.
For now, it’s essential to monitor Tua’s condition closely. There’s a possibility of internal brain trauma or neck injuries, which will be assessed before making any long-term predictions about his career.
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By AJ, NFLnewz.com
