Being active has many health benefits. While it is easy for your children to sit around and remain inactive, sports are a wonderful opportunity to get outside and get moving. Whether your child likes to play football, soccer, or even field hockey, there are tons of options to choose from. However, while these activities can be very beneficial, they can also be very dangerous. When the right precautions have not been taken, these activities can often lead to serious injury or even death.

The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center reports that each year there are almost 4 million Americans who are diagnosed with sport- or other recreational-related brain injuries.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur as a result of a direct hit, a bump to the head, rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head with whiplash, an injury that penetrates the head, or a jolt. TBI can lead to serious and permanent disability or even death.

The Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

There are varying levels of TBI. It can range from something as mild as a concussion to loss of consciousness and a life-threatening injury. No matter the severity of each specific TBI, there are shared symptoms for which you should be on the lookout. These symptoms include:

• Nausea/vomiting after injury
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Feeling slower than normal
• Difficulty with balance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty recalling new information
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise

Often mild concussive symptoms and injuries will get better over time. However, should you find that your symptoms become worse or you experience decreased consciousness, it is imperative that you seek medical attention right away. Should you find yourself more than a few minutes away from the closest hospital, dial 9-1-1 for an ambulance. Remember that not everyone loses consciousness. In fact, only about 10 percent of those with a concussion experience loss of consciousness.

Reducing Your Risk

Although you can never fully prevent TBI, you can reduce the severity of the injury by adhering to the following:

• Always wear a helmet that fits you correctly
• Always wearing a helmet whenever you participate in winter or contact sports
• If you have a serious fall, make sure that you replace your helmet
• Don’t push beyond your physical comfort zone unless you are well-prepared
• Stay alert
• Always keep an eye on children participating in any activities that put them at risk for TBI

The Ohio and Northern Kentucky Personal Injury Attorneys at Jones Kahan Law Can Help

At Jones Kahan Law, our team of knowledgeable and experienced Ohio and Northern Kentucky personal injury attorneys can help.

If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury, it can have physical, emotional, and financial effects on you and your family. You should never have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. We always have our clients’ best interests at heart and will help to fight for the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!