Prevention Library
Kids and brain injuries
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Football is big in Central Texas—no matter the age of the players. But there's a dangerous side, too. Every year football is responsible for a 250,000 thousand head injuries in the United States. Some can even lead to brain damage.
There are more cases of brain injuries each year than breast cancer, HIV and spinal cord injuries combined. The cost of traumatic brain injury is more than $48 billion a year.
The helmet provides good protection. But if it's not worn properly with the mouthguard and chinstrap, the consequences can be devastating.
"So, if you don't have something in your mouth, all the energy from your head moving gets transferred to your mouth and back, or if you get hit here, all of that energy goes up, it's like getting punched without any protection,” said Dr. Jim Misko of Brown-Karhan Rehabilitation.
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Learn how to protect big and little kids from head injury
Beginning next year, new guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology will require any player sustaining a concussion to be sidelined for at least a week. On the football field, it's the helmet that protects the player from possible brain injuries. But back at home, it's the little, simple things you can do to prevent a life-changing accident.
Zack Sommers, 2½, loves playing with his new baby sister, Jordan. "He's still a little rough, can be rough sometimes, but I tend to try and keep an eye on him and really reinforce how gentle Jordan is,” said mom Renee Sommers. It’s a good thing she keeps a watchful eye. Sometimes innocent play between siblings, especially infants, can take a terrible turn.
"An infant is like a rag doll. And so, you have a little brother who's learning to be strong, wanting to play and is shaking. And the scary thing is that recent research points to that only about 3 to 5 seconds of shaking is required for long-term damage,” Misko said. Zack continues to be a gentle big brother. And that allows Sommers to thoroughly enjoy her time with both children.
Reprinted with permission. Copyright ©2005TWEAN News Channel of Austin, L.P. d.b.a. News 8 Austin.