Study Shows Adolescents Being Diagnosed for More Concussions
Posted On behalf of Simien & Simien on Jul 25, 2016 in Personal Injury
There was a significant increase in concussion diagnoses for adolescents from 2007 to 2014, according to researchers from the University of California, San Francisco. Researchers studied nine million Americans' health insurance claims and found that children between ages 10 and 19 accounted for one-third of concussion diagnoses.
The study found a 243-percent increase in the diagnosis of concussions for children between ages 10 and 14. Children between 15 and 19 had a 187 percent increase in concussion diagnoses.
The study did not answer the question of whether this represents a rise in concussion injuries or if the injury is being diagnosed more often than in the past. Experts say that increased diagnosis of concussions is a good thing because it means that people recognize the dangers of these injuries.
What is Causing Adolescent Concussions?
Researchers believe that the likely driver of concussions among adolescents is physical activities such as riding bicycles and playing sports.
Approximately 248,000 children and adolescents go to the emergency room each year for concussions from sports or a recreational activity.
There has been increased awareness of concussions in recent years, as athletes, parents and coaches have received more education about how to spot concussions and react to them.
There are laws in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. on concussions for adolescent athletes. These laws have been nicknamed "return-to-play" laws, and they mandate that athletes be pulled from a game if they are suspected of having suffered a concussion. These athletes must get permission from a doctor before continuing to play.
If your child suffered a concussion while playing sports, you may be entitled compensation. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Simien & Simien and we will fight for justice for your family. We offer a free, no obligation consultation.