Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed every March, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting ourselves and others from the long-term effects of brain injuries. While there are many ways in which a person can sustain a brain injury, one common cause is through sports-related concussions. This is why youth sports organizations must be vigilant about protecting their athletes from concussions.

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur when a blow to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull. Symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe and can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. It is important to recognize these symptoms because if left untreated, a concussion can lead to long-term health consequences.

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One of the biggest risks associated with concussions is that athletes may return to play too early. This can happen when the athlete feels pressure from coaches, teammates, or even themselves to get back on the field. However, returning to play too soon can be dangerous and can increase the risk of further damage. Athletes who return to play before they have fully recovered from a concussion are more likely to sustain another one, and each subsequent concussion can cause more severe symptoms and take longer to recover from.

In addition to the immediate risks of returning to play too early, there are also long-term effects of concussions that can be harmful. Studies have shown that athletes who have sustained multiple concussions are at increased risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that can cause cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and dementia. While CTE is more commonly associated with professional athletes, it can also affect amateur athletes who have sustained multiple concussions over time.

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Brain Injury Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that we should take concussions and other brain injuries seriously. Everyone involved in a youth sports organization has a responsibility to protect athletes from concussions by taking steps such as providing proper equipment, educating coaches and athletes about the signs and symptoms of concussions, and implementing protocols for concussion management and returning to play.  By taking these steps, we can help ensure that young athletes stay safe and healthy on and off the field.

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