The Hidden Dangers of Youth Sports: What Every Parent Should Know
Do you love watching your child racing down the field to score the winning touchdown or making that amazing goal in soccer?
Youth sports like tackle football and soccer are not only exhilarating to watch, they also offer numerous benefits, including physical fitness and teamwork.
However, they can also come with a steep price—the risk of traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions that can have lasting impacts.
As you might know, The National Football League (NFL) in recent years has been under the spotlight for traumatic brain injuries among its players.
However, this issue isn’t limited to professionals; it starts as early as youth leagues. Even legends in the sport agree: you don’t have to start tackling at a young age to become a great football player.
So, should we be exposing our kids to the risks at such a tender age? The Concussion Legacy Foundation advises against enrolling your child in tackle football until they’re at least 14.
But American-style football is not the sole culprit…
Concussions & Head Injuries Don’t Just Happen in Traditional Football
According to Brainline.org, an estimated 3.8 million concussions occur annually in the U.S. during competitive sports and recreational activities. Shockingly, up to 50% may go unreported.
While football leads the charts, sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball aren’t far behind.
For instance, new studies are examining the long-term effects of “heading” in soccer, which could also result in brain injuries.
The study’s preliminary findings suggest excessive heading can lead to cognitive dysfunction, akin to concussion symptoms.
Real-life Story of a Soccer Brain Injury
Take the case of local third-grader Holden Frazier as reported in a news story by Asheville’s WLOS-TV. Holden loves soccer but recently suffered a concussion while practicing with his dad. Initially, his father, Matthew, didn’t think much of it as Holden hadn’t hit his head.
However, a lack of symptom improvement led them to seek advanced treatment. They turned to Apex Brain Center, where Holden received transcranial low-level laser therapy, a treatment that improved his symptoms within a week.
Holden was lucky, but all too often TBI’s (Traumatic Brain Injuries) can go undetected due to lack of obvious impacts and concussions.
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Is Someone You Love Suffering from Brain Injuries Caused by a Sports-Related Concussion?
If so, then we recommend that you seek professional medical treatment, immediately. Then if you need further help in exploring your legal options, we invite you contact our experienced team at Fisher Stark P.A. : Call Us Now at 828-505-4300
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4 Proven Tips to Protect Your Child from Sports-Related Brain Injuries
If you’re a parent with a child engaged in youth sports, it’s crucial to be proactive. Here’s what you can do:
- Delay enrolling your child in high-impact sports like tackle football or heading in soccer until they’re older, as recommended by health experts.
- Stay updated on the latest research about the sports your child is involved in.
- If your child experiences any head trauma or shows signs of cognitive impairment, consult a medical professional immediately.
- Explore innovative treatments like transcranial low-level laser therapy for concussions, as in Holden’s case.
Now is always a good time to play it safe because when it comes to your child’s health, it’s better to be cautious than regretful.
Sports-Related Brain Injury Lawyers in Asheville, NC
Whether on the playing field or even just practicing, those who experience concussions and other forms of traumatic brain injury can face significant consequences for a considerable amount of time.
At the law offices of Fisher Stark, we understand that brain injuries are a serious matter. We have considerable experience with brain injury cases and work diligently to see our clients obtain the proper diagnosis.
If you or a loved one are facing issues related to traumatic brain injury, contact us to see how we can be of assistance, call Fisher Stark at 828-505-4300 or we invite you to click here to > Contact Us.
We will work hard to get you the justice & fair compensation you deserve. Fisher Stark, P.A. is a highly respected personal injury law firm in Asheville, NC. We provide experienced legal help for clients in Asheville, NC, and all the communities in Western North Carolina. Collectively, our legal team – Perry Fisher and Brad Stark – have more than 50 years of trial practice and have participated in more than 1,000+ injury cases. Call 828-505-4300 for a free consultation.