Young athletes are at an increased risk of concussion, according to studies at the US National Library of Medicine.
According to the research, sports-related concussions are responsible for about nine percent of all high school athletic injuries. Of all emergency room concussion cases, sports injuries account for 25 percent. These injuries are likely underreported. One 2006 study suggested that 85 percent of concussions in 16-to-34-year-olds are linked to sports.
Concussions occur when a sudden blow slams the brain against the inside of the skull.
Even minor concussions can produce harmful effects, including nausea, loss of consciousness, headaches, irritability, loss of coordination, disorientation, and slurred speech. Severe cases can lead to bleeding in the brain, which can be fatal, and in all instances, symptoms can continue for days, weeks, or even months after the initial event. Anyone with a suspected concussion should see a doctor as early as possible.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
