Sports/Recreation Traumatic Brain Injuries (Concussions)

Did You Know?

• A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. 
• The majority of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI. 
• Children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.
• Recognition of and proper response to TBIs when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.
• Effective response and treatment for TBI sufferers can save money. Adherence to treatment guidelines for severely injured TBI patients costs about $2,500 per person but will save over $11,000 in direct medical costs.*

TBIs Among Ohio Youth

• On average, more than 4,000 youths were treated in emergency departments (EDs) for sports/recreation (S/R) traumatic brain injuries each year, with a significant rise over the course of the study period: from 2,970 in 2002 to 5,167 in 2010, an increase of 74 percent.
• Emergency department visits for sports-related TBIs among Ohio youth increased by 110 percent from 2002 to2010.
• From 2002 to 2009, pedal cycle (i.e. bicycle) TBIs were associated with the greatest number of sports/recreation hospitalizations among Ohio youth.

Ohio's Return to Play Law

On April 19, 2013, Ohio’s Return to Play Law came into effect. In accordance with Ohio’s new youth sports concussion law and through provisions established in O.R.C. 3707.521 (effective September 17, 2014), the Director of Health is required to establish a committee regarding concussions and head injuries sustained by athletes participating in interscholastic youth sports activities. The Ohio Youth Sports Concussion and Head Injury Guideline Committee was established and tasked with developing guidelines related to youth sports concussions. 

Sports are a great way for children and teens to stay healthy! Being physically active can also help children do better in school. As a parent or guardian, your actions create the culture for safety and can help lower your child's chance of getting a concussion or other serious injury. It's important to note that aggressive and/or unsportsmanlike behavior among athletes can increase their chances of getting a concussion or other serious injury.