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traumatic brain injury in sports

Traumatic Brain Injuries In Sports

Sports are a fun and healthy form of both recreation and physical fitness for adults and children alike. However, with all of the benefits of sports also comes the risk of serious injuries. Athletes, especially those who play sports for a living, suffer from various injuries on a regular basis, such as broken bones, fractures and strains. One common type of sports injury that can significantly impact all aspects of the athlete’s life is a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

What Is TBI?

A traumatic brain injury is defined as damage to part of the brain caused by an extreme or serious mechanical force that results in brain dysfunction. In most cases, especially those involving a mild TBI, the signs and symptoms of the medical condition may not immediately surface, making the condition less likely to be diagnosed soon after the accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of accident that involved a blow or jolt to the head and have experienced any of the following signs or symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:

  • Unusual headaches
  • Dizziness or disorientation
  • Seizure or convulsions
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Balance and coordination issues
  • Agitation
  • Memory loss
  • Challenges in oral and/or written communication
  • Difficulty concentrating and/or following directions
  • Slurred speech
  • Depression

The severity of a traumatic brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe trauma that results in permanent and life altering disabilities. As such, if you believe that you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, it is important that you seek immediate medical care and get properly diagnosed, treated and monitored.

The TBI Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.5 million emergency department visits, hospitalizations or deaths are associated with TBI each year in the United States. In 2009, an estimated 248,418 young adults were treated in emergency rooms for sports related injuries that included a diagnosis of a concussion or TBI. Unfortunately, thousands of other sports related TBI cases go unreported each year.

In sports, common types of forces that may result in a traumatic brain injury include:

  • Getting hit by an object, such as a bat or a ball
  • Physical contact with another player
  • Hitting your head on the ground, pole or any other object
  • Getting jolted so your brain shakes inside your skull

The majority of sports related TBIs care caused by not having appropriate safety equipment, failing to medically asses athletes on the field, allowing athletes to return to play after a TBI, and encouraging physical contact and rough play on the field.

Call a New York Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a sports-related traumatic brain injury, you may have a valid personal injury claim and be entitled to monetary compensation. For more information or to consult with one of our experienced New York sports-related TBI attorneys, please call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.