Doctors Will Be Looking At Head Injury With Derek Boogaard’s Death (Update)

We saw it with Natasha Richardson. A death after suffering what seemed like a inconsequential head injury. In that case, there is no doubt that she needed immediate medical care. The very sudden death of Derek Boogaard comes just months after his last concussion. Much more will need to be found out about what happened and if there is a link. But, if nothing else this may again remind people about the importance of checking out head injuries. For Athletes, as we recently found out with the testing of the brain of Dave Duerson, it is especially important that all head injuries be dealt with properly and prevented whenever possible.

The issue that was important to keep in mind following the Richardson’s death, is that it wasn’t immediately obvious. She struck her head and got up like nothing was wrong. People who fall are embarrassed and feel dumb for having fallen. What doctors have found is that with injuries to the brain there will be swelling and bleeding. There simply isn’t enough room inside the skull. The resulting damage to brain tissue will be irreversible and can lead to death if it goes unchecked.

Any person concerned about a head injury should get into the doctors and be looked at thoroughly and immediately. Wayne Parsons, a fellow Injuryboard member, covered why in a way that all people should take the time to read.

Update: Reports came out today that apparently it was a accidental mixture of alcohol and oxycodone toxicity. It was further disclosed that:

It was reported last Saturday by the New York Post that Boogaard had spent his final days in the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavoral Program. The Star Tribune reported last Saturday that when Boogaard missed most of the Wild’s training camp in 2009 and the first two weeks of the season under the guise of a concussion, he also entered Stage 1 of the Substance Abuse & Behavioral Health Program.

Sympathy goes out to the Boogaard family and friends. He will be remembered as a player that many a Wild fan loved to "BOOOOG" He seemed to love his work. Hopefully, many people will remember and learn from his passing.