ER Visits for Youth Athletes on Alarming Rise CHICAGO -
(Associated Press) Emergency room visits for school-age athletes
with concussions has skyrocketed in recent years, suggesting the
intensity of kids' sports has increased along with awareness of
head injuries. The findings in a study of national data don't
necessarily mean that concussions are on the rise. However, many
children aren't taken for medical treatment, so the numbers are
likely only a snapshot of a much bigger problem, doctors say.
"It definitely is a disturbing trend," said lead author Dr. Lisa
Bakhos, an ER physician in Neptune, N.J. The study examined
concussions in organized youth sports involving ages 8 to 19. ER
visits for 14- to 19-year-olds more than tripled, from about
7,000 in 1997 to nearly 22,000 in 2007. Among ages 8 to 13,
visits doubled, from 3,800 to almost 8,000. While awareness has
increased, many parents, coaches and players still don't
understand how serious concussions can be, Bakhos said. Many
often seem less concerned wi