Growing evidence shows that athletes, coaches, parents and even healthcare providers have been slow to realize how serious concussions can be. The consequences are especially serious for younger children.
“Often, parents and coaches pressure these kids to play, especially if they’re good,” says pediatric neurologist A. David Rothner, MD, of Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s Hospital and Neurological Institute. “But repeated concussions can hurt the brain.”
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 to 3 million sports-related concussions occur each year in the United States.
Concussions symptoms vary
Concussions are brain injuries following a traumatic event. Symptoms can vary over time and by activity level, making them hard to recognize.
Headache is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include dizziness, fogginess, nausea, vomiting, balance disturbance, light and sound sensitivity, and double or blurry vision, to name just a few.
Athletes from any sport can suffer a concussion. At highest risk are those involved in contact and collision sports, such as football, soccer and lacrosse.
Additional risk factors adding to concussion frequency or severity include:
- Poorly fitting or improper equipment
- Improper technique
- Neglect of sports rules
- Younger age or a developing brain
- Prior concussion or cognitive impairment
The last risk factor is most significant. Athletes who suffer concussions are three to five times more likely to suffer a second concussion during the same season.
“If you sustain a second concussion before the symptoms of the first concussion have disappeared, it can be very, very dangerous,” says Dr. Rothner.
New rules take hold
Governing bodies for professional and school sports organizations have developed concussion guidelines to decrease the risks of injury and re-injury:
- In 2010, the National Collegiate Athletics Association mandated that all institutions submit a concussion management policy.
- That same year, the National Federation of State High School Sports recommended removal of all high school athletes suspected of suffering a concussion from competition. Athletes must be evaluated by a medicalprofessional prior to returning to play.
- More than 70 percent of state governments have adopted laws requiring medical clearance prior to returning to a sport after a concussion. Ohio is in the process of following in their footsteps.
What’s best for the player is best for the team
Many athletes experience temporary symptoms lasting one to two weeks. Some experience the effects of concussion for weeks to months. The athletes are monitored as they recover and their activity levels are gradually increased.
A thorough evaluation by a physician is required to avoid returning young players to the field prematurely. Ensuring that symptoms are completely resolved benefits both the athlete and team. This is true for the short term and the long haul.
“Returning to play while still suffering symptoms can put an athlete out for months — instead of only a week or two,” says Cleveland Clinic Sports Health physician Richard Figler, MD.
“Sports are important in many kids’ lives. But being smart about concussions in sports and recognizing symptoms early may help your young athlete stay smart later in life. When in doubt, sit it out, rest, and recover.”
Children 12 and older with concussions are seen by Cleveland Clinic Sports Health specialists; call 877.440.8326. Children 12 and younger with concussions or who require neurologic monitoring are seen by our pediatric neurologists; call 216.444.5514.
article sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic
