After a snowy and blustery winter spring sports season is almost upon us. Most people automatically think about football when they think about a concussion, but; did you know girls between the ages of 10-19 have recreation – related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, most often while playing soccer or basketball or bicycling?
Don’t get in over your head and ignore a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. TBIs can also happen when a fall or blow to the body makes the head and brain move quickly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or a mild bump on the head can be serious. While most people with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks, some will have symptoms that last for weeks or even longer. People with a concussion need to be seen by a medical professional. Getting help soon after the injury can help speed your recovery.
Key Facts & Prevention Tips
- Use safety gates when young children are around.
- Make sure your child’s school and/or sports league has a concussion action plan.
- Keep a list of concussion signs and symptoms with you at your child’s athletic games and practices.
- Athletes with a suspected concussion should be immediately removed from play and should not return until cleared by an appropriate medical professional.
- Be sure the surface on your child’s playground is made of shock-absorbing material.
More at CDC.gov (https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html)
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Kim Simmons, RN
Employee Health, Infection Prevention and Outpatient Services Coordinator