Kids and Sports Health: Minor Symptoms Could Mean Serious Trouble

An estimated 300,000 cases of sports-related concussions occur annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Posted on May 23, 2002 at 12:32 p.m.

STORY:

  

An estimated 300,000 cases of sports-related concussions occur annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the signs of a concussion aren’t always obvious.

WHAT:

  

“The biggest mistake parents and coaches make is that if the child isn’t knocked unconscious or dazed and confused over an extended period of time, they tend to dismiss the possibility of a concussion,” said University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) psychologist Paul D. Blanton, Ph.D.

WHO:

  

Paul D. Blanton, Ph.D., is director of Clinical Neuropsychology Services for the Department of Surgery/Division of Neurosurgery and director of the new UAB Sports-Related Concussion Clinic and Research Program.

HOW:

  

The more subtle signs of a concussion can include irritability, headache and drowsiness. “There’s a tendency for parents to not connect these symptoms with a concussion,” Blanton said. He is prepared to discuss:

  • How to recognize the more subtle signs of a concussion

  • When to see a doctor

  • What questions parents should ask their child’s coach

  • When should a child reenter the game and who should make that decision

BACKGROUND:

  

The UAB Sports-Related Concussion Clinic and Research Program offers advanced diagnosis and management of sports-related concussion, assessment to help determine when it is safe for an injured player to return to practice or competition and education on the subject for interested athletes, coaches, trainers and parents. For more information, call the UAB Sports-Related Concussion Clinic at (205) 934-3537.