{"id":194123,"date":"2025-02-08T00:01:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-08T07:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=194123"},"modified":"2025-02-08T07:07:07","modified_gmt":"2025-02-08T14:07:07","slug":"a-complete-guide-to-swimming-concussions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/a-complete-guide-to-swimming-concussions\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide to Swimming Concussions"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dr. G. John Mullen, Swimming World Contributor (From the Archive)<\/em><\/p>\n

Parents and coaches, pay attention. Concussions do happen in the pool. The below will help guide you through the risks, symptoms, and treatments for concussions. Be head smart in the pool with the complete guide to swimming concussions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Concussions in Youth Sports<\/b><\/h3>\n

Five to 10 percent of <\/span>athletes will suffer from a concussion<\/span><\/a> during any giving sporting season; the highest demographic is athletes between the ages of 15 and 17 years, according to the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association (<\/span>SWATA<\/span>). Swimming is one of the most popular sports because it is generally safer than most contact sports. What you need to know is that concussions can occur in all sports. The risk is just lower in some, like swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Approximately 2 million high school athletes suffer from concussions per year. Of those injured, 500,000 result in doctor\u2019s visits and 300,000 land athletes in the hospital. The biggest concerns with concussions are repeated blows and long-term injuries. SWATA reports that 96 percent of Americans feel that it is important for youth athletes to be seen by a healthcare professional before returning back to the game, and I am betting that you are one of the majority.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Concussion?<\/b><\/h3>\n

A <\/span>concussion<\/span><\/a> is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are usually caused by an impact or blow that thrusts the brain back and forth inside the skull. The impact can happen to the head, or it can be the result of a blow to the body. When the brain shifts inside the skull, it can twist, stretch and impair healthy brain cells. <\/span><\/p>\n

How do Swimmers Get Concussions?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Swimmers can get concussions in or out of the pool. Common ways swimmers get concussions are:<\/span><\/p>\n