JOHN BARRETT introduced his friend, Larry Leverenz, Interim Head of Health and Kinesiology at Purdue, whose topic was "Football Concussions". Dr 
Leverenz introduced his partner in research, Tom Talavage (below right), co-director of MRI research and on the staff of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Research. The traditional definition of concussion is the brain hits the inside of the skull, causing damage. New knowledge indicates that different parts of the brain are injured resulting in many different losses of function. 
Students were tested pre-season to establish baselines. Testing took place during the season to monitor hits and the magnitude, as recorded by sensors in the helmet.
The MRI picture indicated the structure, white matter tracks and changes in vasculature in the brain. Using multiple scans they looked for changes in the brain. It turns out that a high volume of hits, even at low impact, causes damage. Younger players are suffering concussions that will significantly impair their brains over time. There is no such thing as a "good hit".
