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New Concussion Guidelines Released


There are new guidelines to keep student athletes safe from life-altering head injuries on the field.

An estimated 3.8 million athletes sustain a sports-related traumatic brain injury each year in the U.S.

New guidelines on how to manage concussions during any type of athletic event give  a simple message for doctors and coaches if their players get a head injury: when in doubt, keep them out.

No matter what sport your son or daughter enjoys there's a possibility of a concussion every time they step on the field.

The new guidelines, move away from grading the severity of the head injury -- urging doctors to diagnose each case. 

Also not setting a timeline for a safe return -- a player won't return to the field until a licensed health care professional allows it.

Any athlete suspected of experiencing a concussion must be immediately be removed from play.

Experts say kids take longer to recover from a concussion than college athletes, so a more conservative approach is recommended when deciding if your son or daughter should get back on the field.

By Angel Covarrubias