Robert Munley notes the increase in youth sports concussions

A new study published this month in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that there was a continuous increase in concussions among high school athletes between 2005 and 2012. The rate of concussions nearly doubled from .23 concussions per 1,000 athletes in 2006 to .52 per 1,000 in 2012.

A concussion is an injury to the brain that produces a transient loss of brain function with symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, headache and vision changes.

The study was authored by Joseph Rosenthal, a clinical assistant of physical medicine and rehabilitation at The Ohio State University and a group of his colleagues utilizing data from the High School Reporting Information Online sports injury surveillance system. The system contains data from a representative sample of 100 U.S. high schools that have at least one certified trainer on staff.

The report studied boys' football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and wrestling, as well as girls' volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball. Data found that the rates of head injuries increased significantly during that time period in boys' football, basketball, wrestling and baseball and also girls' softball. Concussions happened most often in boys' football, and for the girls' sports, it was most common in soccer. They happened least often in boys' basketball.

Head injuries in sports have been a growing problem. A 2013 report by the Institute of Medicine that studied Sports-Related Concussions in youth concussions among children age 5 to 21 called for more research into the long-term effects of concussions on developing brains. It also urged the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to develop a national tracking system for youth who suffer a concussion.

Sports-related brain injuries are a hot topic today, with headline-grabbing reports of professional athletes whose careers were sidelined by a concussion and other brain injuries. Experts believe that estimates regarding the occurrence of concussions among our youth are still probably too low, with many student-athletes failing to report or possibly even recognize their injuries.

The CDC published information on the topic of concussion in youth sports to help parents and coaches better recognize a concussion, suggesting that recognition and proper treatment of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

The CDC advises to help spot a concussion you should watch for the following:

• A forceful bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.
• Any concussion signs or symptoms, such as a change in the athlete's behavior, thinking or physical functioning.

According to the Institute of Medicine report, youths who suffered one concussion had a higher chance of suffering a second, sports-related concussion. That's why it is imperative to have a child's heat injury evaluated by a qualified medical professional because concussions are not always easy to diagnose.

If your child has been injured, the Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can fight for you. Call Robert Munley III and the Munley team at 855-866-5529.