10 Signs of Concussions to Look for in Young Football Players

Concussions to Look for in Young Football Players

We love football – but nothing is more important than the future, health and happiness of our children. Injuries have always been a part of football, and we Americans mostly accept this fact. In many cases, we view injuries as merely obstacles we must overcome in order to become stronger and tougher. When it comes to concussions – a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) – the common advice to “suck it up and get back on the field,” can be incredibly dangerous for younger athletes.

According to a report funded by the NFL, high school football players face some of the greatest concussion risks:

• Football has the highest rate of concussions of all high school sports.
• The average high school football player is nearly twice as likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury as a college player.

The report has added to the increasing attention being given to concussions in football. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), a concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can result from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can cause damage to the brain on a cellular level, and can create chemical changes. Once changes happen, the brain is more vulnerable to additional injuries until it fully recovers.

For youth athletes, including high school football players, concussions can be incredibly dangerous to their long-term health. Because of this, many steps have been taken to better protect younger players. Some of these efforts include injury-detecting technology and laws that create strict return-to-play protocol.

10 Common Symptoms of Concussions

If you have a child who plays youth football, you can help keep them safe by being aware of some common concussion warning signs:

• Enlarged pupils
• Drowsiness or unconsciousness
• Headaches that get worse
• Weakness or numbness
• Dizziness and loss of coordination

• Slurred speech
• Difficulty recognizing people or faces
• Confusion, restlessness, or agitation
• Unusual behavior
• Nausea and/or vomiting

The above signs are just a few to look for. If you suspect your child has a concussion for the above reason or any reason, get them examined by a doctor or other medical personnel right away.

Learn More About Your Rights After an Athlete Injury

Recognizing a concussion is the first step in making sure athletes receive the medical attention they need. If you or your child has suffered preventable harm while playing a contact sport like football, get in touch with a South Carolina personal injury lawyer at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers to talk about your legal rights. We offer FREE case reviewsto residents throughout the state.