An estimated 135,000 (65
percent) of sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
treated in U.S. emergency departments occur each year in young people ages
5 to 18, according to a study published today in the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Approximately 8 percent, or more than 10,000, of these young people were
hospitalized, the study said.
Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are caused by a blow
or bump to the head that disrupts the way the brain normally works.
CDC researchers examined data from the National Electronic Injury
Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) from 2001 to 2005 and
looked at both the overall number of traumatic brain injury-related
emergency department visits and the activities with the greatest percentage
of emergency department visits for that activity related to TBIs.
The study found that, when it came to 5 to 18 year olds, the sport and
recreation activities that generated the greatest number of emergency
department visits for treatment of traumatic brain injuries were popular
activities such as bicycling, football, basketball, playground activities,
and soccer. The study also found that some sport and recreation activities
resulted in a higher percentage of traumatic brain injury-related emergency
department visits. Among 5 to 18 year olds, horseback riding, ice skating,
riding all-terrain vehicles, hockey and tobogganing/sledding were the sport
and recreation activities with the highest percentage of visits for that
activity related to TBIs.
Researchers say the emergency department visits represent only a small
portion of all sports- and recreation-related TBIs; it is estimated that as
many as 3.8 million of these injuries occur in the United States each year.
Most may be considered mild; however, even relatively mild brain injuries
can result in health consequences such as impaired thinking, memory
problems, and emotional or behavioral changes.
"These injuries are very serious and should never be ignored," said CDC
director Dr. Julie Gerberding. "Signs and symptoms of concussion can show
up right after the injury, or can take days or weeks to be noticed. Learn
the signs and if you believe that you see any, see a health care provider
right away."
Concussions and other brain injuries can occur in any sport. To help
coaches, parents, and athletes learn the signs, symptoms, and action steps
to take when a concussion is suspected, CDC has created and is making
available a new tool kit: "Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports."
The tool kit is free and includes essential and easy-to-use information
about recognizing and responding to a suspected concussion.
As part of this education effort, CDC encourages youth sports program
administrators to order and distribute the tool kits to their coaches at
the beginning of each sports season. The kit includes fact sheets for
coaches, parents and athletes; a poster, clipboard, and magnet with
concussion facts for coaches and administrators; and a quiz for coaches,
parents and athletes to test their concussion knowledge.
"Playing a sport is a wonderful way for kids to have fun and be in
shape," said CDC Injury Center director Dr. Ileana Arias. "But there are
risks involved in sports and recreational activities -- especially when
heads get bumped, players collide or get hit by balls, and people fall
down. We need every coach, parent and athlete -- from soccer to baseball to
tennis, and across all age groups -- to help us recognize and react when a
player might have a concussion. The 'Heads Up' tool kit will help get the
information to those who need it most."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
cdc/injury