- 01
- September
2010
A recent study in the medical journal Pediatrics showed that concussions among children aged 8 to 19 who were involved in organized sports had nearly tripled between 1997 and 2007. The findings may suggest the intensity of kids' sports has increased dramatically or indicate a greater awareness that concussions require medical treatment, or both.
The study found that 14- to 19-year-olds were taken to the emergency room for concussions more than three times as often in 2007 (nearly 22,000 times) than they had been in 1997 (about 7,000 times). Concussion-related ER visits doubled for those aged 8 to 13, from about 3,800 in 1997 to almost 8,000 in 2007.
Concussions are a form of brain injury, but until recently they had not been thought likely to create long-term problems for their sufferers. In the past, many athletes had been told simply to "tough it out" when they received a hard blow to the head during a game.
In the past few years, there has been a growing body of evidence that certain concussions, known as "mild traumatic brain injury," may post long-term problems. Also, repeated concussions may have a cumulative effect.
Sports injuries among the young can be particularly troubling because they could mean a lifetime of functional or cognitive limitations. Additionally, the mild brain injuries seen from concussions can be difficult to recognize, and getting active young people to comply with the treatment can be a challenge.
Many Parents and Coaches Don't Understand How Serious a Concussion Can Be

