The Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) for Athletes
According to statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are anywhere from 1.6 million to 3.8 million sports or recreation-related concussions suffered in the United States every year. Healthcare officials say the exact number is difficult to pinpoint because many concussions go unreported. It’s estimated, though, that approximately one of every ten athletes participating in contact sports suffers some level of concussion every year. Those injuries are often serious, and head injuries are customarily the leading cause of accidental death in sporting events. Brain injuries cause or contribute to more than two-thirds of all sports-related deaths.
It likely comes as no surprise that the sport with the highest rate of concussions is football (10.4 concussions per 10,000 players). The CDC estimates that one in every five high school football players sustains a concussion every season, and one in every 10 college players has a similar injury. More than half of all high school sports-related concussions happen during a football game or practice. Recovery times are generally longer for high school football players who suffer concussions than college players. Studies also show that high school athletes who suffer a concussion are about three times more likely to suffer another one.
Among the other sports with significant risk of concussion are girls’ soccer (8.19 concussions per 10,000 players) and boys’ ice hockey (7.69 concussions per 10,000 players). Bicycling, basketball, and playground activities also involve relatively large numbers of concussions.
Among athletes, one of the first questions after any injury is “When can I play again?” It’s essential that you allow time for maximum healing, as the impact of a concussion can be cumulative if you suffer another one before allowing your brain and body to fully recover.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.