Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) results from a direct blow or other sharp force applied to the skull. Head trauma refers to an injury caused by a physical force applied outside the body that impacts or injures the head. Either a direct blow or a violent acceleration/deceleration can cause the brain to impact the inside surface of the skull. The brain can then contract and expand, much like that of gelatin (Jell-O) inside a tightly closed container. This may result in traumatic brain injury and potentially lasting damage. The majority of traumatic brain injury cases involve concussions, particularly among babies, children, and adolescents.
If a parent or coach suspects a child athlete has possibly suffered a concussion, they should seek medical attention right away. A qualified physician or neurologist will be able to determine the severity of the injury. Young athletes who return to a game or resume regular activities too soon are at a much greater risk of a second traumatic brain injury.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury in Children
A traumatic brain injury event in a young child or student athlete can cause serious damage in the young, still-developing brain tissue. A high percentage of youth participation in competitive sports is responsible for the majority of concussions among children. Over 75 percent of all head injuries are classified as concussions in adolescents and children.
SPORTS
- Football: Football is at the top of the list for concussions and head injuries in males of all age groups, according to the 2011 findings from the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injuries.
- Cheerleading: Although cheerleading is not sanctioned by the NCAA or is listed as an Olympic sport, it still carries risks as the leading cause of brain injuries among female athletes. Cheerleading incorporates human pyramid building, tumbling, flips, and flying through the air. Cheerleaders are more prone to injury than football players, since falls from heights are not uncommon and participants wear no protective gear.
- Ice Hockey: Hockey is played by children from young ages through college. Allowing physical contact on a slick, hard surface like ice increases the chances of traumatic brain injury, despite protective helmets and other equipment.
OTHER CAUSES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY IN CHILDREN
While participation in sports is the leading cause of concussions in adolescents and older children, small children and babies may also experience mild to severe head trauma from any of the following:
- Automobile Accidents: Unrestrained children or small children not riding in car safety seats are most at risk for severe brain injuries.
- Trip/Slip and Falls: Includes injuries from activities like rollerblading, bicycle riding, and skateboarding.
- Falls from Heights: Includes trampoline accidents and instances of children falling from a bed or other furniture in the home
- Shaken-Baby Syndrome (SBS): Affects babies and toddlers who are shaken violently by a frustrated parent or caretaker, also known as abusive head trauma (AHT)
5 Tips for Preventing Traumatic Brain Injury in Children
Prevention is the only surefire way to stop traumatic brain injury. While not all concussions in youth sports can be prevented, taking extra precautions around the home and in other places can help to reduce the risk of head injury to children. The CDC notes that many occurrences of traumatic brain injury can be reduced through a few basic safety precautions and better TBI awareness.
- Helmets should also be worn by children while riding bicycles/scooters, skating/rollerblading, skateboarding, skiing, and during other high-pace games or activities
- Adolescent drivers and all passengers in motor vehicles are advised to wear seat belts at all times
- Modify areas around the home to make them safer for toddlers and small children:
- Install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to help keep crawling babies and toddlers safe
- Always supervise children while swimming, do not permit unsupervised pool use at any time.
References:
Wake Forest Baptist Health
Brain Injury Association of American
