Concussions and Youth Sports: What Every Parent Should Know
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to the long-term effects of sports-related concussions. So, the parents of young athletes are beginning to worry more about the well-being of their children. In this article, we take a closer look at concussions and youth sports and fill parents in on a few things they should know.The Statistics
Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and are often mild compared to more serious injuries. However, any concussion should be treated as a serious condition and treated appropriately when it happens.
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, approximately 500,00 children between the ages of 0 and 14 visit the emergency room for a TBI each year. It has also been reported that high school athletes who have had a concussion are three times more likely to suffer another one during the same season.
The Causes of Concussions
A concussion is a blow to the head that causes the brain to shift within the skull. When this happens, it can result in trauma to the brain and temporarily disrupt otherwise healthy brain functions in young people.
It is more common in high-impact youth sports, including football, hockey, soccer, and basketball. It can happen when they run into other players, get hit by any of the equipment, or hit their head against the floor or ground.
The Symptoms of a Concussion
Here is a list of some of the more common symptoms you can expect when suffering a concussion:
• Some confusion and disorientation
• Poor coordination and balance
• Loss of memory
• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
Tips for Avoiding Concussions in Youth Sports
To lessen the worry and risk of injury, you can do a few things to help prevent concussions in youth sports.
Education
First, it starts with educating athletes and parents about the dangers of concussions. Sometimes, a concussion's signs and symptoms can prove elusive, and athletes may try to play through any pain they may be experiencing. However, this kind of injury requires rest and evaluation and shouldn't play until they have been cleared.
Recognize the Signs and Symptoms
You should also know the signs and symptoms of a concussion, so the player does not return to the game and play in a more compromised state. In addition to the symptoms above, parents and coaches can also watch and see if the player seems dazed, they forget instructions, answer questions slowly, or begin to move clumsily.
Wear Protective Equipment the Right Way
It is also important that any equipment the players wear be properly fitted. Helmets and other protective equipment can prevent head injuries if worn properly and sized accordingly.
Follow the Rules
Finally, all rules of the sport should be followed to avoid injury. For more high-contact sports like football, they should be taught to keep their heads up when blocking or tackling. Proper form should be taught along with education on safer ways to play.
However, even when all the precautions are taken and care is exercised, accidents do still happen, and your child can suffer a concussion during a game. Concussions can have long-term consequences, and it may be difficult to predict the extent of those consequences in the future.
Many children recover from concussions with no sign of any lasting symptoms, but there are still cases in which it can result in a permanent disability for your child.
If your child has been injured due to the carelessness of another person, whether it was another player not following the rules or a coach, then you may have a personal injury case. Contact a professional personal injury attorney today to evaluate your case and see if your family has a claim.