Your Advocate In Serious Injury Claims

CDC guidelines for brain injuries in children updated

Playing youth sports, such as football, soccer or hockey, can foster teamwork, perseverance and good sportsmanship in kids. Unfortunately, these sports are not without their risks and some physicians report seeing a significant number of traumatic brain injuries in children who play such sports. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines on how traumatic brain injuries in children are tested and treated in Louisiana and across the nation.

According to one medical publication, in comparison to symptoms exhibited by teenagers and adults with a concussion, the symptoms a child exhibits when they suffer a concussion can last as many as four weeks. This is because that not only is there a direct blow to the head, but the child’s head may whip back and forth, causing further injury.

According to the CDC, blood tests and x-rays do not always catch a traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, it is necessary to perform a CT scan in order to diagnose a concussion. With the right tests in place, it is possible to correctly diagnose and treat a traumatic brain injury.

While this information should not necessarily dissuade parents from allowing their child to participate in youth sports, it is important that coaches and youth sports programs take all the steps necessary to prevent traumatic brain injuries. If they do not have the correct protocol in place, when a child injures his or her head, the aftereffects could be devastating. When medical expenses mount and a child experiences pain and suffering, it may be time to learn more about ways to hold a negligent coach or youth sports program responsible for the child’s injury.