Should My Kid Play Football
Concussions in sports: Should my kid play football?
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Concussions are a hot topic amongst many parents, coaches and sports fans. An estimated 1.6 a 3.8 million concussions occur each year during sports activities. Concussions are generally most common between ages 9-22.
High risk sports include American football, hockey, soccer and lacrosse.
A common misconception is that girls do not have as high of a concussion risk as boys. However, in both basketball and soccer, girls have a higher rate of concussion than boys.
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What is a concussion?
One of the best in our opinion is from the American Academy of Neurology who describe a concussion as “ a clinical syndrome of biomechanically induced alteration of brain function, typically affecting memory and orientation, which may involve loss of consciousness.”
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What are symptoms of a concussion?
Symptoms include but are not limited to
Headaches
Dizziness
Confusion
Disorientation
Memory loss
And occasionally, Loss of consciousness
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How do you initially treat a concussion?
A common phrase used is “when in doubt, sit them out.” If a concussion is possible or has been diagnosed the athlete should not return to a game or practice. If a medical personnel evaluated the athlete and feels it is safe for the athlete to go home an athlete may go home with their family and should be monitored for worsening symptoms. Generally, the treatment course starts with rest and symptomatic treatment. For example, if an athlete has a headache they can take Tylenol, you should check with a doctor prior to taking NSAIDs. Ideally, the patient should see a physician within a couple days of the concussion, but if worsening or concerned take the patient to the Emergency room!
What are signs that should make us concerned enough to take them to ED?
Vomiting, severe worsening headaches, seizures, decreased consciousness
New neurological signs like changes in speech, weakness, vision deficits etc...
How long do symptoms usually last?
Post concussion syndrome lasts usually 2-3 weeks. These include headache, fatigue and mood disturbances.
When can they return to school or sports?
For the first few days they should rest and avoid any activity that is too stimulating, but as symptoms improve they should begin an active rehabilitation. In terms of school, that means returning to learning protocols but with extended time and reduced workload. In terms of sports, there is a general protocol. Basically once the athlete is asymtpomatic for 24 hours they begin doing light activity, then drills, then noncontact practice, then full contact practice and finally they can return to play. They can only advance to the next step if they are asymptomatic at the previous step.
Websites for more info:
Www.CDC.gov.headsup