Contact Sports
Wear a Helmet
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
- Each year, U.S. emergency departments treat an estimated 135,000 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries-including concussions, among children ages 5 to 18.
- Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. Failure to detect and treat a TBI or concussion can lead to detrimental effects for an athlete.
- Once a person suffers a TBI or concussion, he/she is four times more likely to sustain a second one.
- After several concussions, it takes less of a blow to cause another injury and requires more time to recover.
- Recurrent brain injuries that occur within a short period - also known as second impact syndrome - often lead to brain swelling, which can be quite serious or even fatal, and may not respond to medical treatment.
Play Safe
In order to avoid a concussion or other brain injuries related to sports, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recommends the following :
- Any athlete who is suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until he or she is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions.
- No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he/she is still experiencing symptoms from a concussion.
- Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clearing the athlete for return to participation.
- A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices, where athletes are at risk for concussion.
- Education efforts should be maximized to improve the understanding of concussion by all athletes, parents and coaches.