As football season wraps up, it’s a good time to remind parents how important it is to prevent concussions from affecting their kids in sports. According to the National Institute of Health, 3.8 million concussions occur in the U.S. annually related to sports and recreation, and it is estimated that 50% go unreported.1 While sports offer tremendous physical and mental benefits to young athletes, the risk of concussion is an unfortunate reality.
The Mayo Clinic defines a concussion as a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function.1 While concussions are often referred to as “mild,” their effects on the brain can be serious, especially for children and teenagers whose brains are still developing.
Some physical symptoms of a concussion may include:2
- Headache, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or drowsiness, blurry vision, confusion, amnesia surrounding the event and dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Temporary loss of consciousness, slurred speech, delayed response to questions, dazed appearance and forgetfulness, such as asking the same question over and over
- Trouble with concentration and memory, irritability or personality changes, sensitivity to light and noise, trouble sleeping, feeling emotional or depressed and changes in taste and smell
- Repeated vomiting or nausea, worsening headache, fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears, weakness in the arms or legs, stumbling or clumsiness and seizures or convulsions
One of the primary reasons concussions are so concerning for young athletes is that their brains are still developing. Repeated concussions can lead to long-term cognitive and psychological problems, including issues with learning, memory, mood, and behavior. It’s crucial that youth athletes who sustain a concussion receive immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider should evaluate the athlete’s symptoms and determine whether they can safely return to play.2
Understanding how concussions impact youth sports is crucial for ensuring the safety of young athletes and helping them navigate potential risks. Concussions are a significant concern in youth sports, but with proper education, prevention strategies, and awareness, the risks can be minimized. If you are interested in becoming a member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/ to learn more.
1 – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9987206/
2 – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594