Concussions and young athletes

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We’ve written in the past about the long term consequences of concussions suffered by professional football players. Sadly, such concussions are not only being suffered by high paid athletes. The highest instances of concussions are occurring to individuals under the age of 19, and many such concussions are related to a young person’s connection with sports.

Symptoms of concussion can include nausea, disorientation and nausea. It’s not so much the first concussion that is the problem but instead subsequent concussions that can ultimately lead to brain injury. It generally takes 7 to 10 days to recover from a concussion, but that does not mean youths that are injured should immediately return to participation in the sport.

Children that do suffer from a concussion in New Jersey need a doctor’s permission before again participating in the sport. Schools and recreational leagues should not take risks with the health of such young athletes by ignoring the symptoms of a concussion, or by not alerting parents and doctors about what has occurred.

Brain injuries such as concussions require special care. An individual suffering from a concussion need to be isolated from stimulation immediately after such an injury has taken place, and that’s why it’s not always best to bring such individuals directly to an emergency room. At the same time, it’s best that the individual not remain stationary for extended periods because such inactivity can lead to fatigue and depression.

There will be lawsuits brought by attorneys representing injured youths when concussions are ignored, and safety protocol is disregarded. The brain is an organ that will not automatically heal itself, and we cannot take chances by allowing youth to engage in behavior that may lead to even further concussions.

Source: Matawan-Aberdeen Patch, “Concussions In Youth Sports Discussed By Panelists at Brookdale,” by Anastasia M. Millicker, July 19, 2012