Episode 2
Concussion & Sports
feat. Dr. David Okonkwo and NFL veteran Chris Carr
More than 5 million people suffer concussions every year in America, in sports and everyday life. Join director of the NFL’s concussion study, Dr. David Okonkwo of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and nine-year NFL veteran Chris Carr discussing what to do if you suspect a concussion on or off the field of play. Concussion—not just a headache for pro football players, in this episode of the Brain Injury Awareness Project podcast, hosted by Erin Mattingly, chair of Northern Virginia’s Brain Injury Services.
Episode Guests
Dr. David Okonkwo
Clinical Director of the Brain Trauma Research Center and NFL Concussion Study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
David Okonkwo, MD, PhD, is professor of neurological surgery and director of the Neurotrauma Clinical Trials Center at the University of Pittsburgh. He is also director of neurotrauma and the scoliosis and spinal deformity program at UPMC Presbyterian. Dr. Okonkwo is past chair of the AANS/CNS Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care. In addition, Dr. Okonkwo is team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chris Carr
Lawyer, Former NFL Player & Brain Injury Services Board Member
Charles Christopher “Chris” Carr is a former American football cornerback, punt returner, and kick returner in the NFL. He played for the NFL for 5 seasons, starting in 2005. Since his time in the NFL, Chris has actively engaged with other NFL players and families of individuals who have suffered brain injuries. As a board member of Brain Injury Services, he’s been actively involved in learning the guidelines on what parents of children should know about head injuries and advocating the message to the community.
