Most people who suffer from concussions are 15-24 years of age. This could be because sports are most commonly played during the years of high school and college. Concussions in male athletes most often occur in contact sports such as football, ice hockey, and lacrosse, while concussions in female athletes commonly occur in cheerleading, soccer, and basketball. [1]
Sports may seem like the main cause of concussions, however, the number one cause of concussions in the United States is due to motor vehicle accidents, especially, motorcycle crashes. Other non-sports related concussions are due to car accidents and falling accidents at playgrounds. [2]
Although many concussions seem to occur accidentally there are many preventative strategies. Many Return-to-Play-Guidelines (RTPs) are strictly enforced, especially in youth sports programs. These RTPs were created so that medical professionals can determine when it is safe for an athlete to return to their sport after a concussion. [3]
Along with helmets, mouth guards, shoulder pads, etc; are important to purchase if necessary. Once athletes have the proper attire they must learn the proper technique and form in whatever sport or exercise they perform. Coaches need to be clear on their instruction, especially if coaching a contact sport. [4]
- ^ Marar, M., McIlvain, N. M., Fields, S. K., & Comstock, R. (2012). Epidemiology of Concussions Among United States High School Athletes in 20 Sports. American Journal Of Sports Medicine, 40(4), 747-755. doi:10.1177/0363546511435626.
- ^ Harmon, K. G., Drezner, J. A., Gammons, M., Guskiewicz, K. M., Halstead, M., Herring, S. A., & ... Roberts, W. O. (2013). American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement: concussion in sport. British Journal Of Sports Medicine,47(1), 15-26. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091941.
- ^ Johnson, L. M. (2012). Return to Play Guidelines Cannot Solve the Football-Related Concussion Problem. Journal Of School Health, 82(4), 180-185. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00684.x.
- ^ Sarmiento, K., Mitchko, J., Klein, C., & Wong, S. (2010). Evaluation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Concussion Initiative for High School Coaches: “Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports”. Journal Of School Health, 80(3), 112-118.doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00491.x