Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the top cause of death among children and teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). TBIs, which are caused by a bump or blow to the head that disrupts normal brain function, can range from mild to very severe.

Most TBIs take the form of a concussion. While concussions are most closely associated with professional football, they can also happen to children during all kinds of activities. In a single recent year, nearly 250,000 children age 19 and younger were treated for sports and recreation injuries that included a concussion, according to the CDC.

From 2001 to 2009, the rate of emergency room visits for concussions from sports and recreation injuries rose 57 percent among children. Considering this increase in the number of concussions, here are eight things for parents to watch out for when it comes to TBIs:

  1. Falls are the most common cause of TBIs among children ages 0-14, according to the CDC, accounting for 55 percent of injuries. For older teens, car crashes are the most common cause.
  2. Between 5 and 10 percent of athletes will experience a concussion during any given season, according to the Sports Concussion Institute. Most of these concussions – 78 percent – happen during games rather than during practice. For males, football is the most common sport for concussions, with a 75 percent chance of a concussion. For females, soccer is the most common sport, with a 50 percent chance of a concussion. The impact of a football player tackling a stationary player is 25 miles per hour, and the impact speed of a soccer ball headed by a player is 70 miles per hour.
  3. Symptoms of TBI vary greatly, and if a child is very young, they can be hard to pinpoint. Common signs include vomiting and nausea, headache, dizziness, unusual restlessness or irritability, and crying or inability to be consoled. Impaired cognitive function, physical abilities or communication skills are also symptoms of TBI. You know your children better than anyone, and you can tell if they are not acting like they normally would. Children with TBI symptoms should be taken to the doctor or emergency room right away.
  4. Among athletes, less than 10 percent of those with sports-related concussions lose consciousness, according to the Sports Concussion Institute. Headache and dizziness are the most common symptoms reported right after a concussion injury. Symptoms that last long after the initial injury are of particular concern.
  5. Returning to normal activities can be a slow process and should happen only when the doctor says it is time. Severe concussions and TBI may mean injured children will have to miss school or other activities. They might need support when they are ready to return. For children injured while playing a sport, a doctor should make the call about when it is safe to return to the game.
  6. Children’s brains are still developing, which means that a TBI may actually be more devastating for a child than for an adult. Cognitive impairments might not be obvious right after the injury but may emerge later on, creating learning and social challenges for children with TBI.
  7. Treatment depends on the severity and type of TBI, and can include care from neurologists and other specialists. For a concussion, rest is key, and often includes complete rest from all mental and physical stimuli. Follow-up medical care is vital, especially for severe brain injuries where the child has to regain cognitive or other functions.
  8. Preventing falls and other accidents can prevent TBIs. Steps to avoid TBIs among children include always wearing a seatbelt in a car, wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle or skating, making sure playgrounds have shock-absorbing materials, using protective equipment during sports, securing rugs and using rubber mats in bathtubs.

If your child has been involved in an accident resulting in a TBI, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to go over your legal options. If someone else’s negligence was responsible for your child’s injury, you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and other losses.

Sources:

About the Author

Mark Joye is the Head of the Litigation Department at the Joye Law Firm. A Board-Certified Trial Advocate with nearly 30 years of litigation experience, he currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice and is a past president of the South Carolina Association for Justice. In a recent trial, Joye headed a trial team that secured $17 million for a family killed in a tractor-trailer accident.

Recent Blog Post
What to Do in South Carolina: Staff Picks 6/6/23 – 6/12/23

South Carolina is buzzing with energy as the weekend approaches, bringing forth a diverse range of events for residents and visitors alike. If you’re wondering how to make the most of your weekend, look no further! The staff members of…

What Should You Do if Your Car Starts to Skid?

It can be terrifying to feel your car losing traction and skidding across the road. Your first instinct might be to aggressively turn your steering wheel in the opposite direction or to slam on your brakes. However, these maneuvers can…

Image of someone hammering a nail with bandaged fingers
Can I Get Workers’ Comp If I Accidentally Caused My Own Injury?

Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide medical care and wage replacement benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. It is a no-fault insurance program that provides coverage to employees regardless of who was at fault for…

What to Do in South Carolina: Staff Picks 5/30/23 – 6/5/23

As the weekend approaches, residents and visitors of South Carolina are in for a treat with a diverse range of events happening across the state. We are delighted to share a curated list of exciting happenings in various cities, handpicked…

Awards & Recognition
Media
CBS News
Fox
NBC
ABC