The start of the new school year means students throughout New York will be back on the practice field and in the gym, working on their athletic skills and dreaming of a championship trophy. Parents, teachers, and coaches all have a role to play in keeping athletes healthy and protecting them from injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sports are the number-one cause of concussions in children ages 10-19. Because a concussion can cause long-term damage to kids’ ability to grow and learn, knowing the signs and getting adequate medical treatment for an injured player are crucial steps to take if a concussion is suspected.
If a child you love, teach, or coach suffers a head injury this year, be on the lookout for symptoms like:
- Acting dazed, stunned, or confused,
- Difficulty concentrating, thinking, speaking, remembering, or carrying out simple tasks,
- Inability to remember what happened just before or just after the injury,
- Headache or pressure in the head,
- Dizziness or balance problems,
- Nausea or vomiting,
- Blurry or double vision, or sensitivity to light or sound,
- Numbness or tingling in any part of the body, and
- Changes in mood, including depression, anxiety, or irritability.
If the child loses consciousness even briefly, develops severe pain that does not subside or gets worse, is vomiting repeatedly, or cannot be woken, seek medical attention immediately. All athletes who are suspected of suffering a concussion should be taken out of play or practice until a medical professional clears them to return.
If your child is injured on the playing field or court this year by the negligence of another, the experienced New York sports brain injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP can help you understand and protect your child’s legal rights. Contact us today to learn more.