Stop the Stigma Around Head Injuries
How to encourage young athletes to talk about head injuries
It’s not easy to pull a young athlete out of a game. Even when they have a serious injury, the biggest concern of many competitive athletes is getting back on the field or in the arena as soon as possible—mostly because they don’t want to let their teammates down. Unfortunately, this is exactly why some young athletes won’t speak up when they are hurt. This is especially the case with concussions, because unlike a broken arm or twisted ankle, the injury tends to be less visible to the naked eye. Here are some ways to encourage young athletes to have an open dialogue about head injuries.
Understanding the facts
The majority of concussions go undetected because the symptoms are not always immediately obvious, or athletes don’t report them. Even if an athlete doesn’t feel any lingering effects after sustaining a blow to the head, they still potentially suffered a concussion. A concussion is a brain injury, and it is critical to recognize the injury immediately and allow proper time for a full recovery.
Share stories of professional athletes speaking out
A number of NFL players have taken a stand on concussions over the past few seasons by retiring just a year or two into their young careers. Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland was the first player to begin the trend of safety over sports. In a statement following his retirement Borland stated, “I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health.” Since retiring, four more players have ended their careers before turning 26. Hopefully the stories of these young athletes, who had made it to the highest level of their sport, will inspire others to spread the word about concussions.
Eliminate the Guesswork
The King-Devick Test in association with Mayo Clinic removes the guesswork for young athletes. The objective and accurate concussion screening test prevents athletes from hiding their symptoms. Plus, it gives parents, coaches and athletic trainers a validated screening tool to take additional precautions to ensure that the athletes are protected.
Getting young athletes to talk about significant topics such as concussions isn't always easy, but through education can improve their willingness to speak up. The simple act of having a conversation will help young athletes feel more comfortable taking the necessary time to recover from their concussion, without feeling like they are letting their team down.
For more information, contact the King-Devick Test today!