Youth sports and car accidents can share an unwelcome risk

Blows to the head can leave long-lasting issues, and the effects can show up in anyone. While horseplay can lead to bumps and bruises, situations where hits come hard and fast can change a child’s life.

Car accidents might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of serious brain injuries. The weight of the impact that comes with a motor vehicle accident can certainly lead to complications, but severe or repeated blows of any kind can cause trouble.

Risky plays

Sports injuries, especially those in contact sports like football, can also leave children suffering. The University of Washington Medicine’s Sports Health and Safety Institute and the Seattle Children’s Research Institute looked at concussion rates for kids playing youth football. Five of every 100 children aged 5 to 14 got a concussion playing the game, and that’s just for one 10-week season.

Clocking penalties

And the effects of a concussion can last longer for children than adults. Kids with brains that are still developing could take longer to recover, and repeat impacts could lead to permanent physical and mental disabilities.

Crucial timeouts

This becomes even more worrisome since the likelihood of a repeat becomes greater with each concussion. The best thing for children is often allowing the brain to fully heal before getting back in the game. That’s why it can be so important to spot the signs of head trauma the moment they crop up:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Trouble focusing
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Upset or angry behavior

Getting help after a traumatic brain injury can be crucial – for children and adults – however the impact happened. From football to car accidents, no bump to the head should go unattended.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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