Concussions take center stage thanks to Chiefs, but young brains are every bit as susceptible

Concussion awareness took center stage in Kansas City and beyond on Sunday, when Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith was twice whacked on the head during a game in Indianapolis against the Colts.

But by no means are head injuries limited to NFL players. In fact, as we come to learn more about concussions and how to recognize their symptoms, those in and around high school, youth and college sports are more attuned than ever to the fact that the human brain is a precious organ, and one that’s prone to serious injury when sloshed against the inside of one’s skull.

The Star has written numerous stories about concussions involving players not yet old enough to buy a beer. Today, we thought we’d share a few that we found especially touching and informative.

▪ Here’s a story that Sam McDowell wrote not too long ago about concussions at the high school level:

After a concussion, it’s unclear when — or if — high school athletes should return to action

▪ And here’s a story that Blair Kerkhoff wrote in 2012 about Blue Valley girls basketball player:

Former Blue Valley teen athlete shares her painful lessons about concussions

▪ Columnist Sam Mellinger wrote a heartbreaking and award-winning piece on linebacker Michael Keck that you can read here:

Doctors couldn’t find what was wrong with Michael Keck, but football star knew it would kill him

▪ Lisa Gutierrez, our newsroom colleague here at The Star, wrote this in 2015:

Kansas town mourns Luke Schemm, the eighth high school football death this season

▪ The death of Spring Hill football player Nathan Stiles shook the Kansas City area in 2010:

Football player dies at hospital; Star athlete and scholar collapses on sidelines during game

▪ And the recovery from a brain injury of former Olathe East player James McGinnis continues to this day.

Here’s one of our updates to James’ story:

Olathe East football player James McGinnis making progress since brain injury, dad says

This story was originally published October 31, 2016 at 11:53 AM with the headline "Concussions take center stage thanks to Chiefs, but young brains are every bit as susceptible."