The Alarming Rise in Brain Injuries Among Children

Even with all the safety guidelines, practices and even products in place to keep kids safe while playing sports, it appears there is still a rise in the amount of concussions children are experiencing. Studies of emergency room reports indicate that children visiting the ER for concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are still increasing. A study conducted over the previous ten years discovered this rising trend.

Of course, there is speculation on whether there are more injuries, or if parents are just more alarmed about the potential of serious consequences, leading to a greater number of hospital visits. Either way, over the decade span the study was conducted, it demonstrated that, for the under-20 age group, the rise was as much as 60 percent. There are a great number of reasons and activities that were reported to lead to the possible head or brain injuries. Of all of those reported, however, football as well as cycling, were the top contenders.

Connecting the Dots

The studies can be difficult to evaluate because of different contributing factors. For instance, it could be the result of parents who are being more cautious and proactive, when it comes to possible head or brain injuries. There have been enough stories of kids who, following a head injury during a sporting event or other physical activity, were not treated. In some of these cases, the children died as a result.

There have been a fair amount of tragic tales, too, of youngsters who have died instantly as the result of a direct hit to the head during these activities, as well. For these reasons, parents may simply be taking their children in to the emergency room, as opposed to using the “wait and see” approach.

Also, the good news may be that, this does at least show that more kids are actually beginning to get a higher level of physical activity again. With more kids getting outdoors and playing or participating in athletic competition, there is bound to be an increase in injuries reported. Either way, it is always a good idea for parents to act on the side of caution and have their child checked out by a professional, should he or she suffer a blow or serious bump to the head.

Other Considerations About Concussions

These studies cannot, unfortunately, take into account the amount of younger head injury patients who are taken to their family doctor, instead of the emergency room. One expert estimated that, if looking at both emergency room and family physician numbers, there could be as great a number as 3 million traumatic head or brain injuries every year.

Recent changes in sporting guidelines, in many states, have changed in recent years. Things like requiring coaches to remove an injured youngster from the game or practice if an injury occurs. This includes other injuries, aside from just head trauma. The Center for Disease Control headed a national campaign to bring awareness to the severity head and brain injuries can cause. It is believed, because of this spotlight, parents are beginning to grasp the true importance. It is as important to try to take measures to prevent injury, such as using a helmet, as well as treating any potential injuries that occur.