Head Injuries and Sports

football game and concussions

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur in car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, and in many other types of accidents. Sports and other recreational activities also cause thousands of TBIs a year, and they are very common in children.

Children and teens are more likely to suffer a TBI. If they do, they are more likely to experience long-term complications, and they take longer to recover than adults.

Contact Sports and Concussions

A common misconception is that concussions are not serious. But the truth is that even “getting your bell rung” can be serious. Concussions are known to cause effects more than a year after the injury, including problems concentrating, cognitive (thinking) impairments, and headaches. People who suffer repeated concussions – like many professional football players – have permanent brain damage.

Many athletes suffer hits to the head when playing contact sports. Recognizing a concussion and treating it properly can help prevent further injury.

Even if athletes don’t lose consciousness, a medical professional should examine them before they are allowed to reenter the competition or game. In fact, lawmakers in Pennsylvania have approved a bill that seeks to educate coaches and parents about the seriousness of concussions.

Recognizing a Concussion

One important way to help prevent injuries and deaths in athletes is to know how to recognize a concussion. There are several common symptoms to watch for:

Headache
Vomiting
Dizziness
Difficulty balancing
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision
Ringing in the ears
Irritability or emotional disturbances

If you, or your child, experience these symptoms after hitting your head, seek medical help immediately for an official diagnosis.

Preventing a Sports-Related TBI

Playing any type of sport involves some risk, but you can help minimize your child’s risk of a TBI by teaching them these simple tips (and following them yourself as well):

Remove tripping hazards from any recreational area.
Always play games and recreational activities on grassy areas or on areas that have wooden chips – not concrete.
Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, motorcycle, scooter, ATV/UTV, etc.
Wear a helmet when roller skating or roller blading.
Wear a helmet when playing contact sports like football, ice hockey, or boxing.
Wear a helmet when horseback riding, playing baseball, and skiing and snowboarding.
Watch for helmet recalls, and replace any helmets that appear damaged or broken.
Never dive into a pool under 6 feet deep. Don’t run around a pool area, and refrain from horseplay.

Learn More About Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury? Get a Free Legal Evaluation

If you suffered a concussion or another traumatic brain injury, get a free legal evaluation now. Remember, the insurance company won’t look out for your best interest. Edgar Snyder & Associates is ready to help you get the money you need for your bills and future medical care.

Call 1-866-9-4EDGAR (1-866-943-3427), or fill out the form at the top right of this page for a free legal evaluation – no strings attached. There’s no obligation to use our services, and there’s never a fee unless we get money for you. Contact us now.