Of the several high-profile concussions in the news recently, none have made headlines quite like race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s.

Earnhardt has already missed every race since his July 12 concussion and will continue to miss for at least two more weeks. He’s still wrestling with balance and sight problems as well as nausea.

He has been incredibly open and honest about his injury and recovery, discussing his treatment and personal feelings in-depth on his podcast “The Dale Jr. Download” and thereby showcasing how detrimental concussions can be. "This is scary for me because of the way it's been different,” he recently said. “I'm having balance issues. I've never had balance issues before. "

His continual candidness has brought the public’s attention to what concussion victims can go through as well as the importance of allowing oneself time to heal, despite strong impatience to return to normal routines. He has done what few still-active athletes have been willing to – giving a glimpse into his time of weakness – and in the process has shed new light on the seriousness of concussions.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.