cheerleading brain injury risk

According to a story from the L.A. Times, cheerleading has become a demanding and high-risk sport. Several studies done by the Journal of Athletic Training indicated that 89% of fall-related injuries in U.S. cheerleading had been from attempting stunts or pyramids. Eighty-five percent took place during practice and 51% occurred amid high schoolers. Although no deaths were reported in the study, the risk of concussion and head injury is still relatively high.

One of the more interesting aspects of the study was based on the practice surfaces and how they relate to head injuries and trauma. The critical height of a surface material is dependent on the highest point a person can fall without sustaining a life-threatening head injury. Apparently mats and spring floors that are four inches thick and rest on foam floors can absorb impacts for level two stunts (some tumbling and tosses) and had critical heights over 10.5 feet. For outdoor practice areas, high grass and wet soil provided better absorption and critical heights.

Head injuries from cheerleading can change a person’s life. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that, since 1980, cheerleading injuries requiring emergency attention have increased nearly six times to 30,000 in 2008. Symptoms of head trauma include confusion, headaches, nausea, un-reactive pupils, numbness in extremities, or loss of consciousness.

If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and recoup financial expenses for medical bills, medications or other financial hardships incurred due to the injury. Contact the Mandell Law Firm in Northridge, CA for a free consultation with an experienced San Fernando Valley traumatic brain injury lawyer. Call (818) 886-6600 today.

Source:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/12/the-risky-business-of-cheerleading.html