Health

Millions of children participate in competitive and recreational sporting activities every year. Dealing with injuries that occur as a result of these activities is to be expected. One particular injury that is becoming better understood and subsequently more recognized is the concussion injury. A concussion is defined as a temporary change in mental status with or without loss of consciousness as a result of trauma to the head. Approximately 1.6 million children will suffer this injury as a result of athletics or recreational activities in the United States this year. Football has been recognized as the highest-risk sport for concussions. Studies have demonstrated that between 6% and 8% of high school football players will suffer a concussion each year. It now appears that a similar rate of injury is seen in both boys’ and girls’ soccer. All sports carry some risk for concussion, but high-speed sports—especially those that require helmets—are likely to cause more concussions.