Neurology Experts Recommend Immediate Assessment of Teen Brain Injuries

November 21, 2010

Neurology Experts Recommend Immediate Assessment of Teen Brain Injuries

Plenty of sports fans are aware of new policies in the NFL to discourage helmet-to-helmet contact between players. Now the American Academy of Neurology has published a position statement in the journal Neurology suggesting a new standard for assessment of brain injuries in amateur sports.

Traumatic brain injuries are common in sports like football because of the high speed bodily impacts that the sport encourages. Concussions are a direct result of the brain's movement within the skull when a person's head abruptly changes direction. Participants in baseball, softball, basketball and a host of individual sports are also at risk of traumatic brain injury if they are hit in the head with a ball or their skulls strike hard surfaces -- even while wearing a helmet.

The largest professional association of neurologists in the country now recommends the presence of certified athletic trainers at all high school games and practices. Any athlete who sustains a head impact and a possible concussion should be removed from play until assessed by a physician. One major concern is that the brains of young people are more susceptible to long-term problems after a concussion, and they take longer to heal.

Examining the Full Extent of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain injuries result from a variety of circumstances, including truck accidents, car accidents, bike accidents, assaults, and slip-and-falls on slick surfaces. The common denominator: anyone who suffers a blow to the head should seek out immediate medical attention.

The full extent of a brain injury is often not readily apparent to the accident victim or those who know the person well. Sometimes it takes weeks or months for symptoms to appear, including balance problems, personality changes and memory loss.

In an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer, a brain injury victim or family representatives can learn a great deal about their legal options. An attorney can counsel you about the best way to seek comprehensive medical attention, and advise you about your future need for compensation.

Sustaining head trauma takes only an instant, but the adverse effects can last a lifetime. If another party's negligence resulted in an injury to you or a family member, seek advice from an advocate who has your interests in mind.

Article provided by Law Office of Richard Langerman
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