Youth Head Injury Prevention

This page is dedicated to help build awareness of how to help prevent and attend to children and teens if they may have been impacted by a concussion. The graphic illustrates which activities are most prone to concussions by age group. Below the graphic is advice on how to handle preventing concussions for several of the actives, including what to do after a concussion may have occurred. Read the expert advice on concussion prevention for these activities.

Horse Back Riding

Provided by Kerrie Tischer of CowgirlDiary.com

Q: When Do Head Injuries Most Often Occur During Horseback Riding?

A: There are several scenarios that can take place during horseback riding in which a head injury can occur. The most common would be falling from the horse’s back as the horse rears, shies to the side, or bucks with the rider, and the rider is thrown to the ground, landing on his head or hitting his head on the ground. Another scenario would be when a horse rears unexpectedly and flings his head backwards into the rider’s face. A rider could also be drug with a foot caught up in the stirrup of the saddle, his head on the ground bouncing against rocks while the horse runs. Take extreme caution when walking behind or next to a horse, as they can kick without warning, or trample over bystanders. Anytime a person is handling a horse or in close proximity to horses, head injury can occur.

Head injury is one of the most tragic outcomes from falling off a horse or having an accident while horseback riding. Horses are flight creatures by nature, and when their size, power, and speed are triggered by fear, the results can be life-threatening to the rider.

Q: How Can You Prevent a Head Injury While Riding a Horse?

A: There are two very important steps to take to prevent head injury while horseback riding. Wear a riding helmet whenever you are in the saddle, and arm yourself with a good knowledge of horses. Having a general understanding of a horse’s mannerisms and tendencies will help you stay safe around them. You will learn that certain flicks of a horse’s ear mean he is about to kick, or a certain carriage of the horse’s head could mean he will bite, or a slight hump in the horse’s back under the saddle will show that he is about to buck. Increasing your awareness around horses will go a long way to protect yourself from harm, and wearing a riding helmet will help prevent head injuries.

Q: What Should I Do In the Event of A Head Injury Accident While Horseback Riding?

A: In the event of a horse accident where you believe you or your riding partner has suffered a head injury, the best plan of action is to keep the injured person as immobile as possible while calling 911 for help. A head or neck injury can turn fatal if the injured person is moved in the wrong manner, and it is best to wait for an experienced medical response team. They will check the person’s injuries and evaluate his condition and safely move him to a hospital if care is needed.

Soccer

Provided by Dustin Fink, MS, ATC TheConcussionBlog.com

Q: When Do Head Injuries Most Often Occur During Soccer?

A: TBI most often occurs when the head makes contact with opposing players or surface from falling.

Q: How Can You Prevent a Head Injury When Playing Soccer?

A: To prevent TBI in soccer, players must remain safe and avoid “rough” play. Limiting heading will also abate the repetitive forces to the brain. No equipment can prevent concussions.

Q: What Should I Do In the Event of A Head Injury Accident During Soccer?

A: If a player has been or suspected to have been concussed, they should be removed from play to be evaluated by a trained medical professional.

Football

Provided by Dustin Fink, MS, ATC TheConcussionBlog.com

Q: When Do Head Injuries Most Often Occur During Football?

A: TBI is part of the sport, the head cannot be removed from tackling or the forces upon impact with other players or ground. Its and ever present danger.

Q: How Can You Prevent a Head Injury When Playing Football?

A: No helmet or equipment can prevent concussions – but can prevent TBI like skull fractures, the best way to avoid this is to limit contact outside of games and to enforce proper play – DO NOT USE HEAD AS WEAPON.

Q: What Should I Do In the Event of A Head Injury Accident During Football?

A: If a player has been or suspected to have been concussed, they should be removed from play to be evaluated by a trained medical professional, also if you cannot afford an athletic trainer you probably shouldn’t be having collision sports.