As the parent of a child who participates in sports, you face some difficult choices when it comes to protecting their health while also allowing them to enjoy an activity they love. If your child has sustained multiple concussions playing sports, you may wonder whether it’s still safe for them to participate. While athletics can be an important part of your child’s routine, friendships, or personal goals, repeated concussions can raise concerns about their recovery and future injuries.
What Risks Are Associated with Multiple Concussions?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can temporarily affect how a child thinks, feels, learns, and functions physically. While many children recover from concussions within a few weeks, a history of previous concussions can increase the chance of a longer recovery after another injury. Children who sustain multiple concussions may also face a greater risk of persistent problems with headaches, memory, concentration, or balance. Some may experience changes in mood or other health concerns that continue beyond the initial recovery period.
Repeated head impacts are another concern, particularly in sports where collisions occur frequently. Researchers continue to study their possible long-term effects on the brain. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that repeated head impacts may increase the risk of concussions and other TBIs, although there isn’t strong evidence that one or more concussions alone causes chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
Because each concussion and recovery experience is different, you should discuss your child’s complete concussion history with a qualified medical professional when considering whether they should continue participating in sports going forward.
What Are the Risks of Returning to Sports After Multiple Concussions?
A child who returns to sports before fully healing from a concussion faces a greater risk of sustaining another one. If your child has already sustained multiple concussions, their history can affect how quickly or completely they recover. Potential concerns associated with returning to sports include:
- Another Concussion – A child who returns while their brain is still healing has a greater chance of sustaining a repeat concussion.
- Recurring Symptoms – Headaches, dizziness, concentration problems, or other symptoms may return when the child increases their physical activity.
- Longer Recovery – A history of previous concussions can influence the recovery process, and you should take this history into account when making return-to-play decisions.
- More Serious Effects – Repeated concussions can sometimes cause lasting changes in a child’s brain function.
There’s no set number of concussions that automatically means a child must stop playing sports. Your child’s physician can review their concussion history, current symptoms, and recovery before recommending whether it’s appropriate for them to return to play.
Are There Alternatives to Taking Your Child Out of Sports?
For a child who loves their sport, stepping away completely can feel disappointing and isolating. As a parent, you may also struggle with balancing your child’s feelings against concerns about another injury. Depending on your child’s medical history and their doctor’s recommendations, it may be worth discussing some other options:
- Try a Lower-Contact Sport – Your child can still enjoy competition while reducing their exposure to collisions.
- Take a Longer Break – More recovery time may allow your child’s symptoms to resolve before you have to reconsider their participation.
- Modify Participation – Limited practices or non-contact activities may sometimes be appropriate while your child recovers.
- Explore New Activities – Swimming, running, tennis, golf, or other pursuits can provide exercise and social connection.
Schedule an Appointment with a Sports Medicine Physician at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine
If your child has suffered multiple concussions while playing sports, it doesn’t have to spell the end of their participation, but it’s important to fully understand the risks and your family’s options. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our sports medicine physicians work with young athletes dealing with the effects of concussions. We can help your child approach their recovery safely and help your family weigh the pros and cons of your child continuing to participate in sports. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.