New Study Says Soccer Related Concussions On Rise
Some of it could be the rise in popularity of soccer.
Matt Harrington has been a coach for 15 years. He said the reason more concussions are reported could be because of better education in the sports world.
“I think we are more aware, so as coaches, we certainly recognize the symptoms of concussions more often,” he said. “In the past the lack of awareness might have contributed to the fewer concussions.”
The most common type occurs when there’s a collision heading the ball.
“Soccer has fewer collisions in general in a game, but soccer players are not protected like football players and hockey players are with helmets,” said Dr. Linda Mansfield, Director of Sports Medicine for Beacon Medical Group.
Less than a year ago, U.S. Youth Soccer banned any player under 10 from heading the ball.
“Quite frankly, the neck musculature isn’t as developed then,” said Mansfield. “If a younger child gets a concussion we are a little more concerned because those are developing brains.”
Harrington says he thinks that is a good first step to prevent more concussions related to soccer.
“Even in the game, if they do head the ball, either on purpose or accidentally, the game is to stop, bring awareness to it, and then give the other team possession of the ball,” he said.
The best way to protect your kid is to make sure you know the symptoms, which can range from headache, dizziness, irritability, trouble sleeping or trouble concentrating.
Mansfield says most concussion symptoms should go away within seven to 10 days, and if the symptoms persist after that to call your doctor. She said the worst thing a person with a concussion can do is get back in the game too soon.
“If they get hit again when their brain is already injured you can have immediate swelling of the brain, and there have been cases of death reported.” she said.
Harrington said coaches need to think about the player instead of the game.
“We’re in sports because we’ve got a competitive spirit, and sometimes that competitive spirit gets the best of us. So I do think at times coaches have the potential to overlook any sort of injury to win that particular game,” he said.
Source: WSBT