The recognition of concussion is especially critical for those working with younger athletes. Leading experts agree that high school athletes have a significantly greater risk of sustaining a concussion, and those concussions are taking significantly longer to heal when compared to older athletes. There are many potential reasons for this, but most researchers agree that the younger brain is more vulnerable because it is not fully developed. There is also a strong suggestion that many concussions sustained by younger athletes go unreported because of a lack of awareness of what constitutes a concussion. Because of this, young athletes are often not referred for medical care and are allowed to continue to play. This can be catastrophic.
Youth sport coaches and parents of young athletes should be vigilant in their watch for the onset of concussive signs and symptoms. If concussion is suspected,
- Always seek advice from a physician and/or athletic trainer, and
- Never return the young athlete to play the same day as the concussive injury is sustained.
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