It may seem like we keep banging the concussion drum, but this story doesn’t go away. According to new information published online today, the number of concussion-related hospital emergency visits for children ages 8-13 doubled between 1997 and 2007 (a 100% increase). For youth age 14-19, the increase was 200%, a 4-fold increase. The cause […]
Youth Concussion Rates Skyrocket Read More »
The average cyclist crashes about every 4,500 miles. Kids? Seems like at least once a week. Wearing a helmet has been shown to prevent up to 75% of cyclists’ head injuries… and are required by law in the state of North Carolina for all cyclists under age 16.* Here’s what you need to know about
Need to Know! Bicycle Helmets Read More »
“Tuesdays with Morrie” is the heartbreaking story of the final life lessons imparted by a beloved teacher dying of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Today, the New York Times reports on an astonishing bit of science that expands the tragedy: Some people diagnosed with ALS may not have the disease.
Brain Trauma May Mimic Lou Gehrig's Disease Read More »
On July 29, 2010, I wrote about the danger of metal bats in youth baseball. There are a growing number of head and brain injuries caused when baseballs hit by metal bats strike a pitcher in the head. Some players have been severely injured. One 16-year-old young man, Gunnar Sandberg, was nearly killed by a
Pitchers Get More Protection in Youth Baseball Read More »
Finally, finally, finally! Professional locker rooms across the country will be undergoing minor redecoration, with players’ health in mind. The National Football League (NFL) has released its official, new poster, which clearly lists symptoms of concussion and potential long-term effects. In one section, the poster says that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to “…problems
NFL Releases New Concussion Poster Read More »
…if you’re a glass-is-half-full kind of person, you could take the AANS report as a license to turn off the cell phone and enjoy your time outdoors. Summer, sports, and safety–that’s having it all!
Head Injury from Summer Fun Read More »
Concussion is finally gaining respect as a serious injury. Doctors have begun calling it “mild traumatic brain injury,” which more fully and accurately defines what concussion really is. High schools and high school sports organizations have begun setting more stringent standards for evaluating a student athlete after a head injury–no matter how minor the injury
What Parents Can Do About Kids' Sports Concussions Read More »
For girls and young women, one sport accounts for more than 65% of of all high school catastrophic injuries, and more than 70% of all collegiate catastrophic injuries. (For the record, “catastrophic injuries” are life changing events, including traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and death.) Less severe injuries are also common–each year, this sport sends more
When Is a Sport Not a "Sport"? Read More »
Injured brains need quick, intensive, and thorough treatment from a team of experts. Ask any neurologist or other traumatic brain injury (TBI) expert when treatment should begin after someone suffers a brain injury, and the answer will be the same: As soon as possible. According to an amazing and disturbing article in the Raleigh News
Veterans Need Better Care for Brain Injuries Read More »
A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the number of injuries are often under-counted. In addition, the severity of symptoms is underestimated. For example, some states only require that injured athletes be removed from play for the rest of the day… and yet, a study by the Children’s National Medical Center in
Concussions in High School Athletes Alarmingly Frequent Read More »