Summer is in full swing, and that means kids and adults alike are participating in their favorite competitive and recreational sporting activities. These sports can be fun, but they can also put our bodies, and maybe more importantly, our heads at risk of an injury. But which sports result in the most head injuries each year? Below, we take a look at which sports send the most people to the emergency room for head injuries each year.
Sports and Head Injuries
Based on emergency room data, here’s a look at the sports and activities that result in the most head injuries each year.
1. Cycling/Biking – 85,000
2. Football – 47,000
3. Baseball/Softball – 38,500
4. Basketball – 34,500
5. Water Sports (Tubing, Skiing, Diving, Swimming, etc.) – 28,500
6. Recreational Vehicle Use (ATV, Go Karts, etc.) – 26,500
7. Soccer – 24,000
8. Skateboards/Scooters – 23,000
9. Health Club Activities/Fitness – 18,000
10. Winter Sports – (Skiing, Sledding, Snowboarding) – 17,000
If you’re like most people, you probably didn’t guess that cycling was the top sport for head injuries, but it makes sense when you consider how many people ride bicycles on a regular basis. You also have to consider that most children ride a bicycle at some point growing up, and falls can be common as they learn to ride and get used to the bike. Helmets can help prevent against injury, but they can’t stop all head injuries, which is why cycling leads the way for injuries.
When it comes to keeping you or your child safe when participating in sports, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Injuries aren’t completely preventable, but if you wear the right safety equipment, practice proper movements and techniques, and you stay aware of your surroundings, we’re confident that you can greatly reduce your risk of head injuries and other bodily injuries.
If you or your child has suffered a concussion or related head injury during athletic activity, make sure that they are evaluated by a neurologist or other head specialist. Head injuries can inhibit healthy brain development, and they can also affect their ability to succeed in school or other facets of life. By proactively treating the head injury and making sure it doesn’t get worse, you’ll be putting your child in the best position to make a full recovery. To learn more about how we achieve this, or to talk to a specialist about a recent head injury, reach out to Dr. Chang’s clinic today.