Concussions, Brain Injuries on the Rise in Youth

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, more children are visiting the emergency room with traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. According to a CDC report, the number of children, aged 18 and younger, reporting serious head trauma has increased 62% over the last decade. Most cases of traumatic brain injuries occurred in young men, particularly those that played football or other high-impact sports. An estimated 1.7 million people sustain a TBI each year, and almost half a million emergency visits were for TBIs sustained by children aged 14 and younger in 2006, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control {: target="_blank"}. As the CDC data shows, young men who participate in football and other high-impact sports may be put at risk for concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Particularly dangerous, second impact syndrome, a type of traumatic brain injury, is most commonly found in those that play sports. Second impact syndrome occurs when a football player or other athlete returns to their sport too soon and suffers another brain injury before their first concussion has adequately healed. In cases of second impact syndrome, the player does not have to experience strong head trauma, as even minor blows to the head, chest or back can cause the brain to rebound in the skull. Only a small amount of force is needed to cause permanent damage to athletes whose brain is still vulnerable due to an existing head injury.  Second impact syndrome and other types of brain injuries can have a significant effect on their victims. Many severe traumatic brain injury patients need long-term rehabilitation and care, and may not be able to return to work. Even those with mild head trauma will notice a serious impact on their job, social interaction and finances. Due to the serious nature of these types of injuries, personal injury law allows for brain injury victims who were hurt as a result of another’s negligence the opportunity to seek compensation for lost wages, loss of earning capacity, current and future medical bills, as well as pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has suffered trauma to the head, find out if you can participate in a [brain injury lawsuit](/practice-areas/personal-injury-lawsuits/brain-injury-attorneys/) today by contacting our attorneys for a free, no obligation case review. Anyone can receive a brain injury, and children are [particularly susceptible](/blog/) in some situations.