Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is the degenerative brain disease that is linked to repeated blows to the head. Although there has been a lot of publicity involving CTE being diagnosed in retired NFL football players, this disease is not only limited to professional athletes and sports known for violent collisions. It can even develop as the result of concussions and head injuries sustained during youth sports.
Concussion Risk in Youth Sports
Many parents that are signing children up for youth league sports like soccer, hockey, and football must sign waivers/releases acknowledging the risk of concussions.
It’s important to understand the severity of concussions, their potential long-lasting impacts, and the signs and symptoms that indicate that your child may be suffering from a serious head injury.
Concussion Signs & Symptoms in Kids
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can last for days, weeks and even longer.
Common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury are: headache, loss of memory (amnesia) and confusion. With amnesia, which may or may not follow a loss of consciousness, usually involves a loss of memory of the even that caused the concussion.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness or seeing stars
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Delayed response to questions
- Appeared dazed
- Fatigue
Some symptoms of concussions may be immediate or delayed in onset by hours or days after injury, such as concentration and memory complaints.
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Sensitivity to light
- Sleep disturbances
- Psychological adjustment problems and depression problems
- Disorders of taste and smell
What to Do If You Think Your Child Has a Concussion
If your child experiences a head injury, you should see a doctor within 1-2 days – even if emergency care is not required.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you call your child’s doctor for advice if your child receives anything more than a light bump on the head.
If your child demonstrates any of the symptoms listed above after a head injury, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately.
If you child doesn’t have signs of a serious head injury, and if your child remains alert and moves normally in response to you, the injury is probably mild and usually doesn’t need further testing. In this case, if your child wants to nap, it’s okay to let him or her sleep. If worrisome signs develop later seek emergency care.
Pursuing Compensation For A Child’s Head Injury
There is assumed risk associated with most sporting activities, even when it comes to youth sports. Individuals who choose to participate in sports and recreational activities consent to the risks inherent in those activities, especially if they’ve signed a waiver acknowledging those risks. However, signing a waiver doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t pursue a personal injury case if you are injured.
If you think your child may have been injured while participating in sports as a result of the negligence of another individual, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced sports injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. You may be entitled to compensation.
Get The Help You Need After Your Child Sustains a Head Injury
If you or a loved one is suffering from a traumatic brain injury and you think you may be entitled to compensation, the personal injury attorneys at Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto, LLP can help.
Our team of attorneys have been handling sports injury cases for decades. With offices conveniently located in Albany, Saugerties and Johnstown, New York, we serve clients throughout the Capital Region, as well as Fulton, Ulster, and neighboring counties as well.
Contact us for a free case evaluation today! Give us a call at (800) 721-3553 or contact us online to schedule your free case review with a member of our legal team.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2014 but has been updated as of June 2018.
