September 30, 2024
Reporter 1: Traumatic brain injury and concussion are major causes of hospitalization and death. According to data from the CDC, more than five million people in the US are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability. Dr. Matt Ashley joins us now in the studio this afternoon. He’s a chief medical officer at the Center of neuro skills here in Austin. Thank you so much for joining us.
Dr. Matt Ashely: Thank you very much for having me.
Reporter 1: So, Dr. Ashley, new research from the University of Washington, their medicine sports health and safety institute at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. They found that 5% of youth football players get a concussion each season. So, tell us more about the statistics surrounding head injuries and children.
Dr. Matt Ashely: Ya, so obviously it’s hard to study this sometimes. This is one of the most useful studies that we have. I think it can surprise people the number of kids that are suffering from these injuries. 5 out of 100 in a single season in quite a bit and this was a study that was focused on younger kids. Ages around 6-14, so it doesn’t incorporate some of those high school years. That is an important caveat there. But, ya, it is affecting a lot of our youth, and I think it is also important to remember that most of these injuries don’t occur on the football field. That is just one slice. A lot of youth sports, a lot of kids playing sports, and they can suffer injuries in other sports.
Reporter 1: So, what are the risks of consistent concussion, particularly with brain development, because at that age your kid’s brains are just forming, you know?
Dr. Matt Ashely: Absolutely and I think it’s kind of important to state that youth sports are good for kids. And we want them to be able to participate in them, but we want them to do it safely. Paying attention to that developing brain and making sure that these kids, when they are suffering these injuries, are being taken out of play adequately and are returning safely is critical for their success.
Reporter 1: That relates to my next question. What are the dos and don’ts for your child after they suffer a concussion? What should you be making sure that you’re doing and what should you be avoiding?
Dr. Matt Ashely: Ya, so the first step is recognizing the injury, and we don’t have to have a blow to the head. We can just have a rapid change in speed and velocity, and the brain can be injured with that. The first step is removing the kid from play. Making sure that they are not risking reinjury. The initial period, assessing them properly on the sideline, getting them out of play. Getting them to a safer environment. And then, following CDC heads-up guidance and structured return to play and return to learn in the days that follow.
Reporter 1: So, as a parent, how can you advocate for your child because let’s say they want to play football? I mean, what are you suggesting parents do?
Dr. Matt Ashely: I don’t ever suggest people limit their activities away from these things. I just think they should know the risks. Contact-related sports secure a higher risk than non-contact-related sports. So, things like hockey, football, lacrosse, even soccer, and basketball, they’re all going to be higher-risk sports than some of the others. But again, they are important for kids, and I think they need to know that they can do these things safely and its really everyone’s job, coaches, parents, and athletic trainers to recognize the signs of concussion and remove their kids when it is appropriate.
Reporter 1: Yes, it is everyone’s job. Thank you so much, Dr. Ashely, we appreciate your time!
Dr. Matt Ashely: Thank you for having me!