Playing sports is a great way for kids to exercise and have fun; however, playing sports can also put kids at risk for experiencing head injuries. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, sports activities that cause the most head injuries in kids ages 14 and under include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, water sports, cycling and skateboarding. While it is important for kids to have fun when they play sports, it is even more important that kids take the proper precautions to stay safe.
Head Injuries
Head injuries occur when a sudden impact to the head alters normal brain function. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, mild head injuries can cause symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, headaches, trouble concentrating, balance problems, sensitivity to light or sound and speech problems. Severe head injuries caused by extremely hard impacts can cause even more serious problems. A head injury that makes the brain move within the skull is referred to as a concussion. Severe concussions can cause temporary amnesia or a temporary loss of consciousness. Kids who experience extremely severe head injuries may even fall into a complete or partial coma.
Causes
There are several ways that kids can experience a head injury while playing sports. Rough player-to-player contact, and contact between the head a hard ball are common causes of head injuries in contact sports such as football, basketball, hockey and soccer. Hard falls resulting in head-to-ground contact are common causes of head injuries in sports like cycling and skateboarding. In water sports, a head injury can occur if a kid accidentally hits his or her head on the side of the pool or on a diving board.
Treatments
Any child suffering from a mild or severe head injury should get plenty of rest and refrain from playing sports until the doctor advises it is safe. Taking an over-the-counter pain medicine like Tylenol can help relieve headaches in mild cases. In severe cases, doctors may use imaging technology like and MRIs or CAT scans to determine the extent of the damage. If swelling and inflammation are present, prescription anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve the pressure. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, surgery may be required if the damage to the brain is severe, or if tests confirm the presence of a large mass lesion known as a hematoma.
Prevention
Practicing some simple safety precautions can significantly decrease a kid's chances of getting injured while playing sports. One of the most effective ways to prevent sports-related head injuries is to wear the right safety gear. Wearing a safety helmet helps protect the head and face from impacts. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons notes that safety helmets must fit properly in order to provide kids with the most complete protection. Loose helmets can still leave kids vulnerable to potential impact.
