The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 300,000 sports-related brain injuries occur every year in the United States. Contact sports such as football and boxing cause the most sports-related brain injuries, although sports and activities that increase the risk of falling, such as cycling, skiing and skateboarding, also pose a significant risk. Traumatic brain injuries can result in temporary or permanent brain damage, coma or even death, so learning how to prevent these injuries in the first place can literally save your life.
Step 1
Play sports only in well-lighted areas that are free of obstacles and hazards. Avoid uneven and unpaved roads and sidewalks when skateboarding, and make sure sports fields are clear of rocks, holes and other dangers.
Step 2
Wear a properly fitting helmet approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials for your specific sport. Helmets tested and approved by the ASTM are marked with a sticker. Helmets are effective at reducing the risk of sports-related brain injuries when used properly.
Step 3
Replace damaged equipment promptly, especially helmets and other protective head gear. Some helmets require replacing after any impact, even if there are no visible signs of damage. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends referring to the manufacturer's instructions to determine if your helmet is designed to withstand single or multiple impacts.
Step 4
Follow all rules pertaining to your sport, and obey traffic signals when cycling or skateboarding. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons also recommends wearing clothing and gear that enables you to see clearly and does not impair your vision at any time, and warns against diving in water that's less than 12 feet deep.
Step 5
Rest and avoid participating in any contact sports if you have recently suffered a head injury. If you have suffered multiple head injuries in the past, your doctor may advise you to permanently avoid contact sports. According to the Brain Injury Resource Center, subsequent brain injuries require longer recovery periods and are more likely to cause severe and/or permanent brain damage.
Things You'll Need
- Helmet
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sports-Related Recurrent Brain Injuries -- United States
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons: Sports-Related Head Injury
- Brain Injury Resource Center: Brain Injury in Sports
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Wear a Helmet to Reduce Sports-Related Head Injuries
- All About Traumatic Brain Injury: Sports-Related Traumatic Brain Injury
