By Joe Starkey
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, May 1, 2003
Not every potential Steelers draft pick is ordered to visit a neurological surgeon, but the team had hard-hitting USC safety Troy Polamalu undergo a neurological exam a few weeks before last weekend's NFL Draft.
That was because of Polamalu's extensive concussion history. He has sustained at least five concussions since his freshman year in high school, including three during his career at Southern Cal.
Steelers neurological surgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon determined that Polamalu had sustained no lasting damage and was fit for the NFL. The team proceeded to make Polamalu the highest-drafted safety in franchise history (16th overall).
The question is, does Polamalu's history make him vulnerable to more concussions? Medical studies suggest the possibility. Dr. Mark Lovell is the director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and the person who oversees neuropsychological testing programs for the NFL.
FULL STORY
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, May 1, 2003
Not every potential Steelers draft pick is ordered to visit a neurological surgeon, but the team had hard-hitting USC safety Troy Polamalu undergo a neurological exam a few weeks before last weekend's NFL Draft.
That was because of Polamalu's extensive concussion history. He has sustained at least five concussions since his freshman year in high school, including three during his career at Southern Cal.
Steelers neurological surgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon determined that Polamalu had sustained no lasting damage and was fit for the NFL. The team proceeded to make Polamalu the highest-drafted safety in franchise history (16th overall).
The question is, does Polamalu's history make him vulnerable to more concussions? Medical studies suggest the possibility. Dr. Mark Lovell is the director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and the person who oversees neuropsychological testing programs for the NFL.
FULL STORY
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