24 September 2018,
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concussions in youth sports

According to the Brain Injury Research Institute (BIRI), somewhere between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions occur each year in the U.S. during sports and other recreational activities. Unfortunately, concussions in youth sports are among the most common. BrainLine estimates that approximately 70 percent of patients seen in the emergency department for this type of mild traumatic brain injury are kids and teens.

Concussions in youth sports can occur during any game. However, football, basketball, soccer, hockey and rugby are among the sports with the highest incidence of concussions. Research has shown that the more sports teams a student plays on, the more likely he or she is to sustain a concussion.

Concussions in Youth Sports

Unfortunately, concussions in youth sports often result in side effects that can affect performance in academics as well as in athletics. A common symptom of this mild traumatic brain injury is trouble with concentration and memory.  This can lead to a decline in a student’s ability to learn and function normally in school. After a concussion, it is not uncommon for a young athlete to have difficulty focusing on lessons. They may also have trouble processing and recalling information.

Fortunately, these side effects are typically temporary, as long as the student athlete seeks treatment from a medical professional and takes the recommended amount of time off from activities to heal. If a child continues to play sports against medical advice, concussion symptoms may become more severe and last longer.

Concussions in youth sports are especially dangerous when a second brain injury is sustained before the first one has healed. This can lead to serious conditions such as second-impact syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalitis (CTE). To minimize the risk of major, lasting consequences, it’s essential for parents, coaches and children to encourage the prevention of concussions in youth sports and to proceed with caution if a young athlete sustains a blow to the head.

Dr. Timothy Gill Offers Top-Notch Concussion Care for Young Athletes

Unfortunately, these injuries can still occur even when precautions are taken to avoid concussions in youth sports. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of a concussion after a blow to the head, it is vital to seek medical attention from a board-certified physician like Dr. Timothy Gill. Because of his years of experience in treating concussions and other sports injuries, Dr. Gill is a highly qualified choice for concussion care in the Reading, PA area.

Dr. Gill offers a concussion clinic designed for individuals who have recently sustained a concussion. Patients with recent concussions who call for appointments will be seen usually within 24 hours.

To learn more about Dr. Gill or to schedule an appointment with him, call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to offering you or your loved one compassionate, cutting-edge concussion care.


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