It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries occur in the U.S. each year. Of these, there is an average of 283,000 emergency department visits by youth from sports and recreational activities. However, as many as 50 percent of concussions may go unreported. Signs of a concussion include dizziness, blurred vision, slurred words, appearing dazed, walking or running off balance, headache, or a change in sleep patterns – just to name a few.
Youth and young adults are at high risk of concussions from sports, recreational activities and motor vehicle crashes. In rural Missouri, these individuals are our future farmers.
Of the estimated 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries in the United States each year, more than 21 percent are among children and adolescents during sports and recreational activities. A youth who sustains a concussion is three to six times more likely to sustain another concussion.
In 2020, 6.8 percent of youth reported having symptoms of a concussion or brain injury at some point. However, for the same age group, only 3.9 percent of youth had ever received a diagnosis of a concussion or brain injury by a health care provider.
Of the 283,000 U.S. emergency department visits among youth for sports and recreation-related concussions, 45 percent were from contact sports.
Physical and cognitive rest are needed for recovery from a concussion. However, complete inactivity is no longer recommended. Some light activity and school participation, after a day or two, is beneficial for the individual during concussion recovery.
The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, connect and grow.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri for support, education, recreation and advocacy at www.biamo.org or (800) 444-6443.