HEADS UP: CONCUSSION IN YOUTH SPORTS

With NFL and college football in full swing, the topic of concussions is also underway. It’s not just the college athletes and professional players that face the risk of concussion. In fact, 70% of those playing football in the United States are youth athletes. There are also numerous other contact sports, such as soccer, lacrosse and hockey where we are seeing a rise in these types of injuries. Understanding concussion prevention, identification and treatment are vital for players, parents and coaches alike.

The Centers for Disease Control have recognized the risk of concussions for youth and have provided resources to use to help reduce this risk. Information available on their website http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/youth.html includes Fact Sheets, Quizzes and Posters and Magnets designed for Coaches, Athletes and Parents. This information is also available in Spanish here.http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/spanish/youth.html

If your child is involved in sports, be sure to read this valuable information. And, if you think your athlete has sustained a concussion…

  • Don’t assess it yourself.
  • Take him/her out of play immediately.
  • Seek the advice of a health care professional.

If you have questions on the legal implications of traumatic brain injury, contact our office in St. Louis.