Kids’ ER Visits for Head Injuries Up

More U.S. children are being treated in emergency rooms for head injuries, a new study finds. Between 2001 and 2009, the number rose 60%. For the most part, researchers think that’s because people are more aware of the need to treat concussions. The study found that most injuries were linked with sports and other active pursuits, such as bicycling. About 71% of those injured were boys. About 71% were age 10 or older. Football and bicycling were the most common activities linked to brain injuries in boys. For girls, soccer, basketball and cycling caused most injuries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the report October 6. During the period covered by the study, the CDC launched a campaign to increase awareness about concussions. The campaign stressed the need to see a doctor if you have certain symptoms after a blow to the head.