Did you know that every 21 seconds, a head injury occurs in the United States? The majority of those head injuries are closed head injuries, also known as concussions. In an article at hometownlife.com, it points out that summertime always sees an increase in head injuries because children play many contact sports in the summer.
As a result, about one million children sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year, according to the article. A concussion occurs when the skull is not broken, but the brain still suffers an injury. The brain bounces around inside the skull causing swelling, bruising and chemical changes. X-rays and scans do not always catch the damage.
Signs of a concussion include a decrease in concentration, memory and attention along with increased irritability and anxiety. Symptoms may not show up until weeks or even months after the initial head injury. It can take awhile before chemical changes in the brain become apparent.
Experts agree that prevention is best when it comes to TBI. Protective helmets in sports and recreational activities can cut-down on approximately 90 percent of TBI. Cautioning kids about diving into shallow pools will also prevent head and neck injuries.
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