Believe it or not, there are nearly four million sports-related concussions every year. They can be caused by being hit in the head with a ball or other object or falling hard on a field. What’s worse is that up to 70% of those concussions are not reported. This is often because the athlete wants to continue playing. Unfortunately, they do not understand just how dangerous it can be to continue playing after suffering a concussion.
Keep reading to find out about football injuries specifically and how dangerous it can be for a player to get back at it when they have a concussion. If you have suffered a football injury you may need to contact a personal injury attorney for help recouping compensation for your damages. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation.
An Athlete Who Suffers a Head Injury Needs to Be Evaluated by a Doctor
The bad news is that concussions are much more serious than people used to realize. The good news is that more and more people in the sports industry – including high school coaches – are learning how serious these incidents are. If an athlete suffers a concussion, they must stop playing immediately and seek treatment from a doctor.
Remember that concussions are traumatic brain injuries. In the worst-case scenario, they can be fatal. When a concussion occurs, it is because the brain has been banged back and forth inside the school. In the short-term, symptoms can include fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, and seizures. In the long-term, cognitive brain damage can be observed, and an athlete who has suffered a concussion is more likely to develop both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as they age.
Secondary Impact Syndrome Can Be Deadly
If an athlete suffers a concussion and goes back to the game, they could be at risk for secondary impact syndrome. This is possible if they receive another traumatic brain injury within ten days of the first one. Secondary impact syndrome can lead to serious, long-term brain misfunction and even death. On average, it takes twice as long for a person to recover from a secondary impact than the first one.
Rest and Healing Are the Most Important Things to Do After a Concussion
If an athlete has been injured a concussion is expected, they should be taken to either a hospital or doctor’s office for diagnosis as soon as possible. In most cases, the treatment for a concussion is rest for between three and five days. It is also advised to minimize brain work, which includes avoiding screens and reading.
If you have suffered a football injury and were asked or forced to keep playing, we strongly advise you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 at your earliest convenience. We can help you determine the best way to proceed to protect your legal rights.
