New study links brain injuries to youth sports

A new report from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention pinpoints several contact sports as top causes behind emergency hospital visits for kids.

According to the report, basketball, bicycling and football were linked to childhood head injuries, with soccer being the top concussion causing sport for young women.

Kids are vulnerable to these kinds of hits as their brains are still developing and remain vulnerable.

Though concussions have always been dangerous, physicians say that brain injury awareness and education is not yet where it needs to be in the United States.

“Especially if you have a concussion and you have concussion symptoms and the child or the athlete returns to play and gets another concussion,” said healthcare specialist Mark Crosby. “That is the most worrisome thing as a medical professional and as a parent that would be my main concern.”

Alternative sports that have been found to be less dangerous include golf, swimming and track activities.

A concussion can trigger a lack of sleep or mood changes that can be seen days or even weeks after the initial damage occurs.

At times, these issues have been compounded by coaches and parents putting their kids and players back in the game.

And El Paso residents can help tackle the issue of brain injuries at this Saturday’s “Light Up The Heavens” event at the Braden About Shelter at 4325 River Bend in a family friendly event meant to increase brain injury awareness.

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