Personal Injury in Organized Athletics: Concussions and Brain Injuries

January 26, 2013

Personal injury in organized athletics: Concussions and brain injuries

Concussions are mysterious injuries that can cause long term and sometimes permanent brain damage. Concussions are often described as a bruise to the brain. The "bruise" is caused when the brain hits the skull at such a force that causes brain tissue to expand and brain nerves to be cut. This often occurs when the head is directly hit but can also occur when the head is forcibly snapped back. Because the brain is so delicate and complex, the force of the hit disrupts the brains function and can cause permanent injuries.

The brain damage resulting from a concussion can include:
-Headaches/migraines
-Memory loss
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Mental confusion
-Blurred vision
-Balance and coordination issues
-Sleep issues
-Behavior or personality changes

Unfortunately, concussions are difficult to diagnose. There is no test or scan that can definitively state whether or not a concussion has occurred.

In an attempt to learn more about brain injuries and concussions, considerable research has been conducted in the last few years on professional athletes and concussions. That research reveals that athletes with a history of concussions are more likely to experience serious concussion consequences including depression, migraines, and even early-onset dementia. As more and more studies are done and more information is revealed on the dangers of concussions, parents and doctors have begun to worry about concussions and young athletes.

The dangers of concussions to young athletes

The concussion concern is greater for young players because their brains are still developing. Experts opine that it takes young athletes much longer to recover from a concussion than that of an adult. Additionally, someone who has sustained one concussion is more likely to sustain a second, especially if he or she has not fully recovered from the first. Because of this, it is extremely important for young players to fully recover before they return to the game.

In 2009, a study found that 16 percent of high school football players who lost consciousness during a concussion played football the very next day. Experts now recommend that young athletes who have concussion symptoms not be allowed back on the field until they obtain a doctor's permission. Some high schools have started requiring players to take a computer test at the beginning of the sports season to test the student's cognitive and memory skills. If during the season the player suffers from a possible concussion, he or she has to pass the test before they can play again.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury from a concussion that was caused by someone else's negligence, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your right to recovery.

Article provided by Law Offices of Piazza, Simmons & Grant, L.L.C.
Visit us at http://www.anthonypiazza.com