Brain Injury Awareness Month, held in March each year, was developed by the Brain Injury Association of America to let people know that brain injuries are serious — and more common than people think.

Being struck by another person or object is a leading cause of unintentional injury for teens and young adults ages 15 to 24, according to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts, and sports-related concussions are a significant contributor.

An estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes annually suffer concussions, according to the Brain Injury Research Institute. Often, cases are underreported and undiagnosed. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows the number of sports-related concussions is highest in high school athletes, but they are significant and on the rise in younger athletes.

Most concussions occur during games, not practices. Few result in loss of consciousness. Here is a break down sports concussion facts for all age groups:

• 10% of all contact-sport athletes sustain concussions yearly
• Football injuries associated with the brain occur at a rate of one in every 5.5 games
• 5% of soccer players sustain brain injuries
• The head is involved in more baseball injuries than any other body part; almost half of injuries involve a child's head, face, mouth or eyes
• An athlete who sustains a concussion is 4-6 times more likely to sustain a second concussion

If a child gets hit on the head, it’s important to always take it seriously. Concussions always require medical attention. Signs and symptoms of concussion include:

• Confusion
• Forgetfulness
• Glassy eyes
• Disorientation
• Clumsiness or poor balance
• Slowed speech
• Changes in mood, behavior or personality

To learn more, visit: https://www.nsc.org/.../safety.../child-safety/concussions

Learn more about HazTek Safety Consulting.