Big Ben had spinal cord concussion Dec. 28, source says

Big Ben had spinal cord concussion Dec. 28, source says
January 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Ben Roethlisberger used the word "scary" when he saw several of the Steelers team doctors hovering over him on the field and he couldn't feel them sticking a pin in his numb arms two weeks ago against the Cleveland Browns. And for good reason.

Roethlisberger suffered more than what was diagnosed as a concussion.

The Post-Gazette has learned that Roethlisberger actually sustained a spinal cord concussion after he was sandwiched on a hit by two Browns defenders and appeared to hit the back of his head on the Heinz Field surface -- the same type of injury that caused former quarterback Tommy Maddox to temporarily lose movement in his arms and legs in a 2002 game in Tennessee.

It was the reason the Steelers medical personnel removed Roethlisberger's facemask and had him placed on a spinal board when they carted him from the field. Roethlisberger was taken to Presbyterian Hospital, though he quickly regained the feeling in his arms and didn't even remain overnight for observation. He never lost sensation in his legs.

Roethlisberger passed all the necessary follow-up tests, including the IMPACT test administered to players with concussion-like injuries, and played one of his most efficient games of the season in Sunday's 35-24 playoff victory against the San Diego Chargers. Roethlisberger passed for 181 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions against the Chargers

According to several medical websites, a spinal cord concussion can be caused by a sudden and violent jolt and result in neurological deficits. Symptons, though, usually disappear in less than a day, sometimes a few hours, depending on the severity of the concussion."


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