Youth sports have always been a great outlet for kids. Most people have at least one fond childhood memory of playing a youth sport. However, while kids should have the opportunity to play sports, efforts need to be taken to make sure they are safe when they play. This is particularly the case when it comes to preventing brain injury.
Concussions have unfortunately become fairly common in youth sports. In fact, they are the second most common youth sports injury.
Concussions can be a serious health problem if not properly treated. Concussions are caused by an electrical surge which can occur in the brain when it comes to a stop quickly, like from a head impact. Doctors treat concussions through having patients rest and avoid activities which could risk further injuring the brain.
Thus, it is important for concussions in youth athletes to be spotted quickly, so as to avoid further injury. When a child is suspected to have a concussion, they should see a medical professional. Also, it is important for youth who suffer a concussion to not be allowed to start athletic activity again until they are cleared by a doctor.
Concussions can also pose long term problems. This is particularly the case when one suffers multiple concussions, as this could possibly lead to permanent brain injury. This is why it is not only important to increase efforts to spot and treat concussions in youth athletes, but to take measures to prevent them from occurring.
Thankfully, as concussion risk in youth sports has increased, so too has concussion awareness. However, organizations and schools need to be careful not to rest on their laurels when it comes to youth concussions. While good steps in concussion awareness and prevention have been taken, further action should be taken to try to reduce the risk of serious injury children face when they play organized sports.
