School is back, and that means so are fun activities like Phys. Ed., team sports, and playground recess. Both public and private schooling systems from elementary to high school have incorporated a variety of organized sports for children to join. With playing games also comes the risk of sustaining personal injury in school due to a multitude of factors.
In fact, every three minutes in the US a child is treated for a sports related concussion. While many people think that these injuries result mostly from contact sports like football, the reality is that slip and fall head injuries are also a serious cause for concern. In fact, more and more children are turning up with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) after a run-in with playground equipment.
In a study conducted by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, researchers focused on injury rates for kids aged 14 years old and under during 2005 to 2013. They found that there was in fact an increase in the number of kids going to the emergency room for TBIs, however the study cited that it could be due to the heightened awareness of the risks of concussions. The researchers’ findings also noted that of the TBIs related to playground injuries, most occurred as a result of accidents on swings and monkey bars.
Recognizing a Serious Head Injury
A common error is to shrug off a blow to the head during play. However, even if the circumstance was minor, it’s probably best to get the injured child checked out to make sure they did not sustain any serious injury. During a concussion the brain makes contact with the skull and can result in some cognitive malfunction. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you’re in doubt, here are some of the signs and symptoms of a concussion:
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Glassy eyes
- Disorientation
- Poor balance
- Slowed or disconnected speech
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
If your child sustained an injury to their head, and are showing any of these signs, be sure they do not fall asleep before they get medical attention.
In the event that your child has suffered a TBI while playing at school or on the playground, please feel free to contact our office for a complimentary and confidential consultation.
Sources:
(2016). Retrieved August 26, 2016, from http://cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
Concussion Care Belongs at the Top of Every Youth Sports Playbook. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2016, from http://nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/Sports-Concussions.aspx
Mohney, G. (n.d.). More Children Are Suffering Traumatic Brain Injuries at the Playground, Study Says. Retrieved August 26, 2016, from http://abcnews.go.com/Health/children-suffering-traumatic-brain-injuries-playground-study/story?id=38813384
