Burners

In brief A “burner” is a temporary dysfunction of the neural structures in the brachial plexus after a blow to the head, neck, or shoulder. To elucidate the incidence of burners, the authors studied 446 football players throughout the 1989 football season. Burners were more frequent at higher levels of competition, and among defensive rather than offensive players. A temporary neurologic deficit was often present. Prevention includes preseason neck strengthening, proper equipment, rule changes to enhance safety, and instruction in safe blocking and tackling. Once more serious neurologic injury is ruled out, treatment is straightforward.