Even Young Football Players Not Immune to Damage From Head Injuries

TUESDAY, Nov. 13, 2018 -- The long-term effects of head injuries in football players begin at a young age, a new study finds.

Researchers tested college football players' blood for concussion markers and found that they had elevated levels of these markers before the season even started.

Some Activity Fine for Kids Recovering From Concussions, Docs Say

MONDAY, Nov. 12, 2018 -- Children and teens who suffer a sports-related concussion should reduce, but not eliminate, physical and mental activity in the days after their injury, an American Academy of Pediatrics report says.

"Athletes absolutely need to take an immediate break from play after a concussion, but we find that, during the recovery process, it is best to encourage a reasonable amount of activity, such as brisk walking," report lead author Dr. Mark Halstead said in an AAP news release.

Sleep May Speed Kids' Recovery From Concussion

SATURDAY, Nov. 3, 2018 -- Good sleep helps speed young athletes recover from a concussion, a new study reports.

The study included 356 athletes from Texas, age 19 and younger, who suffered a sports-related concussion. At their first clinic visit, 73 percent of the athletes had good sleep quality and 27 percent had poor sleep quality.

Kids' Concussion Symptoms May Persist for a Year

MONDAY, Oct. 15, 2018 -- A year after a concussion, up to one-third of kids still have symptoms such as headache and irritability that may affect school performance, a new study finds.

"Children with all types of injuries may show post-concussion symptoms," said lead researcher Linda Ewing-Cobbs, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School in Houston.

Head Blows Without Concussion May Not Damage Brain, Study Claims

TUESDAY, Oct. 16, 2018 -- Young football players who suffer repeated head blows -- but not concussions -- may not sustain brain damage, a new study suggests.

For the study, researchers followed 112 football players, aged 9 to 18, during the 2016 season.