|
Abstract
|
Youth sports remain the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries among children and teens, according to a new CDC report. The report found American football, bicycling, basketball, playground activities, and soccer were associated with the most head injuries.
Using 2010 through 2016 data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program, CDC investigators found that on average 263 000 children younger than 18 years visited emergency departments (EDs) for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) related to sports or recreation each year. Contact sports accounted for 45% of these ED visits. Football injuries were associated with more TBI-related ED visits among males than any other sport with 52 088 visits, while soccer (11 670) and playground injuries (11 255) accounted for the majority of these visits among females. Across all years, the rates of TBI-related ED visits were highest among males and 15- to 17-year-olds.
“Limiting player-to-player contact and rule changes that reduce risk for collisions are critical to preventing TBI in contact and limited-contact sports,” the authors wrote. They also argued that research is needed to help reduce such injuries in recreation and noncontact sports.
Children are at increased risk of developing emotional, cognitive, or other complications as a result of TBIs, which has led to increased prevention efforts. A previous report found that sports- and recreation-related TBIs increased 62% from 2001 to 2009. But the latest data suggest ...
Language: en |