Concussions and Youth Sports

Active children can’t wait for the day when they put on their first little league, football, soccer, or various other team uniforms. While youth sports are fun for the entire family, there is an increased warning that parents and caregivers should be aware of regarding childhood concussions. Concussions are mild brain injuries. They occur after an impact to the head or after extreme cases of whiplash. Emergency room reports show that the most dangerous contact sports for boys are ice hockey, football, lacrosse, wrestling, and soccer. For girls, the most dangerous sports are soccer, lacrosse, and basketball. Signs of a concussion include:

          ·         Dizziness

          ·         Vomiting

          ·         Sensitivity to light and noise

          ·         Double or blurry vision

          ·         Headaches or pressure in the head

          ·         Sluggish reactions or feeling “hazy”

          ·         Confusion of surroundings

          ·         Memory problems

          ·         Losing consciousness (even if only for a few moments at a time)

While concussions are not 100% preventable when kids play contact sports, there are a few ways to help prevent them. Make sure that the child is following all safety regulations set by the coach and team. Also, be sure that all protective gear is worn, and worn correctly the duration of the game. Lastly, encourage good sportsmanship so that games don’t become too physical.

 If you suspect that a child may have a concussion, seek medical attention right away and until they are cleared by a doctor, keep the child out of play and on the bench. Give ample time to ensure that the child does not have any lingering issues. One concussion can have a lifetime effect.

Excerpt from: Healthline.com