By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In recent years, the number of school-age athletes sent to the emergency room with concussions has skyrocketed. This fact suggests that the intensity of youth-sports has increased. The study examined national data of concussions in youth sports involving children from ages 8 to 19. The findings of this study were that ER visits for teenagers ages 14 to 19 visit than tripled from 1997 to 2007 and more doubled for children ages 8 to 13.
Although public awareness regarding the dangers of concussions has increased, many parents, coaches, teachers and student athletes still underestimate the serious nature of a concussion. Most of these people seem more concerned with the time the injured youth athlete can return to the sport.
Physicians stress that a concussion is not an injury that can simply be “shaken off.” A concussion means the brain has been jostled and sometimes the symptoms are not always obvious. There is usually no loss of consciousness and a concussion will not show up on an imaging scan unless there is bruising or bleeding. The following are symptoms of a concussion: headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble concentrating. These symptoms may go on for about a week. And, in severe cases, it may take months to fully recover from a concussion.
Treatment is mainly rest – both physically and mentally. Specifically, avoid activities that require concentration and focus – this can include reducing school work, staying home, and reduce playing video games, TV, and computer use as these worsen symptoms. Also, some doctors advise against aspirin and other painkillers because these may potentially cause the brain the bleed. If you would like to read more on this story please see ER visits associated with student athlete concussions increase drastically.
Also if you would like to read more in depth articles on the severity of concussions please read Parents Lack Important Knowledge and Experience Regarding Dangers of Concussions to Children and Brain Injuries / Concussions May be Linked to ALS.