Athletic trainers seek to raise awareness of concussions in children

Columbus, OH – Concussions in children’s sports should be taken seriously, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and athletic trainers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital are reminding parents, coaches and children this month, which is recognized as National Athletic Training Month. As the number of children participating in sports has grown exponentially over the past decade, awareness about child injuries – particularly concussions – must increase as well, the organization said.

According to NATA, athletes should seek medical attention when they experience symptoms of a concussion, including headache, dizziness, nausea, vision disturbances and difficulty concentrating. After a concussion has been sustained, the child should be removed from play immediately to reduce the risk of Second Impact Syndrome, a potentially deadly condition in which a second concussion occurs before a first has fully healed.

In the aftermath of a concussion, children should avoid extended periods of watching television, texting, reading or listening to loud music to allow the brain time to rest. Parents should monitor the child for any changes in behavior or personality, and have the child medically evaluated before returning to sports.