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Common Brain Injuries in Sports

Sports-related brain injuries can vary in severity and range from mild to more serious. Here are some common sports brain injuries athletes can experience:

Concussion

A concussion is a common sports-related injury where the head is violently jolted or bumped, causing chemical changes in the brain and resulting in a temporary loss of normal brain function. Symptoms of a concussion can include confusion, disorientation, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Second Impact Syndrome

Second Impact Syndrome is a potentially fatal sports injury that occurs when the brain is subjected to a double impact after it has recently sustained an initial traumatic brain injury. It can cause severe, catastrophic neurological consequences and even death.

Skull Fractures

The skull is a complex and rigid structure that surrounds the brain, but the force of certain impacts can cause severe damage. Fractures in the head can increase pressure on the brain, leading to swelling and other impairments. Athletes may also experience headaches, confusion, and nausea.

Hematoma

A hematoma is a gathering of blood outside the blood vessels, usually caused by an injury to the head or face. It can cause pressure on the brain, leading to headaches, confusion, and dizziness. In more severe cases, surgery is required to remove the hematoma.

Cerebral Contusion

A cerebral contusion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a severe blow to the head and causes permanent damage to the brain’s tissues. Symptoms may include confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Sport-related activities, including tackling, contact sports, falling, and car accidents, may cause this injury.

Although other sports-related brain injuries exist, this list includes the most common. In any circumstance, it is essential to understand the potential risks, take all safety precautions during physical activities, and seek medical attention if any symptoms occur. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing any head injury and reducing the chance of severe or long-term complications.

Sports that are Most Prone to Brain Injury

Certain head injuries in sports have a higher risk than others. Football, hockey, and boxing involve direct contact with other players. This physical aspect can lead to more traumatic impacts on the brain that can cause serious injuries or even death. Here are some sports with the most concussions:

Ice Hockey

The fast-paced nature of ice hockey makes it one of the sports most at risk for head injuries. Players wear helmets to try and protect against concussions in sports, but collisions between players are still common and can cause severe brain injury. In addition, the hard surface of the ice increases the chances of a player falling and hitting their head.

Soccer

Physical contact between players in soccer can cause head injuries. Data collected from 2008 through 2016 fund that up to 44% of all soccer-related injuries are due to player and head-to-the-ground contact. It also found that an average of 386 concussions occur yearly in soccer. With the majority of these injuries caused by players colliding with each other, proper safety gear and equipment are key to reducing the risk.

Football

Football is also known to be a contact sport, and as such, it poses a high risk of head injuries. The game’s physical nature can result in sports concussions and severe brain injuries like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) if proper safety measures are not taken. Players wear helmets for protection, but even with this, collisions on the field can still lead to brain damage.

Boxing

Boxers often receive multiple blows to the head during a match, which can result in brain trauma. The longer-term effects of boxing-related injuries have been well documented, with damages resulting in neurological disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease later in life.

The risk of brain injury increases when playing any contact sport. If you experience any symptoms following an impact or collision to the head, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Doing so can help reduce the chances of lasting effects or even death.

Diagnosing and Treating Sports Brain Injuries

Diagnosing a sports-related brain injury begins with the athlete’s medical history and physical exam. Initial tests like the Glasgow Coma Scale assess the severity of the damage and determine if further tests are needed. Imaging tests like CT scans and MRI scans can detect changes in the brain structure that indicate a possible brain injury. Medical professionals can also conduct neuropsychological testing to measure cognitive and functional deficits and any behavioral symptoms that may be present.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a doctor may create a treatment plan based on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may only require rest, while more severe injuries may require surgery or medications to help reduce swelling or other symptoms. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can also help restore strength and coordination in those who have suffered from brain trauma.

Preventing Sports Brain Injuries

It can be challenging to prevent sports-related brain injuries completely, but athletes can reduce their risk of a sports-related brain injury by:

• Wearing appropriate safety gear like helmets, pads, and mouth guards:
• Following all rules of the sport and taking time to warm up before play:
• Avoiding any dangerous or reckless behavior that could lead to head trauma:
• Taking breaks in between activities to allow for rest and recovery:
• Being aware of the signs and symptoms of a brain injury and seeking medical attention immediately if any are present.

Athletes deserve to be protected while participating in their favorite sport. By taking the necessary precautions and being aware of the potential risks, athletes can help reduce their chances of suffering a sports-related brain injury.

Mental Health After a Sports Brain Injury

Suffering from a brain injury can have lasting mental health repercussions for the athlete. One in five people who have experienced traumatic brain injury has shown symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Thus, psychological support and counseling should be provided to those affected.

Seeking help from mental health professionals can be beneficial in helping to manage and cope with the changes that occur after such an injury. Furthermore, participating in support groups or joining a rehabilitation program can be very helpful for those who have sustained a sports-related brain injury.

Finding a Sports Brain Injury Attorney

In many cases, a sports-related brain injury can be severe and life-altering, leaving an individual needing medical treatment and long-term care. Due to the carelessness of another person or entity (such as a league or team), filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recoup damages in addition to seeking and researching personal injury compensation. To file a lawsuit in such a situation, an individual must present evidence showing that another person’s negligence caused their injuries, which requires an experienced personal injury lawyer.

A lawyer will be able to help an individual navigate the legal process and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries. It is vital for those who are considering filing a sports brain injury lawsuit to consult with a traumatic brain injury attorney as soon as possible to properly document the cause of their injury, make sure all relevant evidence is presented, and that the statute of limitations is met.

You may be eligible for compensation if the injury has caused you to incur medical expenses, lost wages from time away from work, or experience emotional distress or suffering. For severe cases that have caused death, a wrongful death claim may be pursued against the person or entity deemed responsible for the injury.

When negligence is the cause, filing a lawsuit for a serious brain injury can help an individual recoup damages from the responsible parties. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer can provide legal counsel and advice to ensure that all parties involved are held accountable.

TorHoerman Law: Your Sports Brain Injury Lawyer

TorHoerman Law has secured over $4 billion in compensation for people harmed at no fault of their own.

Our firm is experienced in traumatic brain injury lawsuits. We have filed suit on behalf of Olympic bobsled athlete Pavle Jovanovic for the brain injuries he suffered while part of Team USA.

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in sports, contact TorHoerman Law for a free no-obligation sports brain injury lawsuit consultation.

At TorHoerman Law, our sports head injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so we are as dedicated as our clients to get the best possible result for their brain injury in sports.