The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has proudly led the nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month by conducting an awareness campaign in March of each year.
Coaches of every school athletic team and every extracurricular athletic activity should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of brain injury, says the BIAA.
This month the BIAA would like to highlight the fact that every year 3.8 million people suffer a sport -or recreation -related concussion, with 135,000 children aged 5 to 18 ending up in emergency departments.
“A concussion is a brain injury, period” says the BIAA, which also believes young athletes who have suffered a concussion should have to get written authorization by a healthcare professional before returning to play.
Signs of a concussion after a blow to the head include nausea, dizziness (or balance problems), double or fuzzy vision, headache, feeling sluggish or tired, and having trouble concentrating or remembering.
You should never ignore a bump to the head, says the BIAA. Young players should tell their coach and ask to be taken out of the game. They should also talk to parents or teachers about the symptoms and see a heath care professional.
For more information on Brain Injury Awareness Week, visit biausa.org