I have been perusing a number of sites, such as Medscape, American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) regarding Concussions in Youth Sports, especially Soccer.
Concussion definition. The following is from WebMD:
Concussion has many different meanings to patients, families, and physicians. One definition of concussion is a condition in which there is a traumatically induced alteration in mental status, with or without an associated loss of consciousness (LOC). A broader definition for concussion is a traumatically induced physiologic disruption in brain function that is manifest by LOC, memory loss, alteration of mental state or personality, or focal neurologic deficits. Concussions usually result in relatively temporary impairment of neurologic function.
The AAP has an article that seems to best sum up the consensus at this time: There is not enough data to support headgear in soccer, purposeful heading (properly executed) is not considered as controversial as it once was, and soccer ranks high along with football and hockey for number of incidences. http://bit.ly/94UuaP
Purposeful heading is most often taught starting with kids 10 years and older, though certainly some coaches begin teaching this earlier. “Purposeful” is considered intended contact, head to ball. “The best technique is to contract the neck muscles to hold the head rigidly fixed to the trunk, allowing the ball to contact the hairline of the forehead,” according to the article above.
The most frequent cause of concussions in elite college soccer players was found to be contact with another player’s head, elbow, or foot (47%), outnumbering concussions due to contact with the ball nearly 2-1.
Below is a list of signs and symptoms as given by the CDC:
If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion:
• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets sports plays
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after hit or fall
Symptoms Reported by the Athlete:
• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Does not “feel right”
I have posted more helpful links, including some print-outs/posters that I hope you help yourself to, on my website here. Please share this information with friends.
I hope you found this helpful.
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