Emergency departments have reported a dramatic increase in the amount of children with soccer-related head injuries, according to a study published Tuesday in Pediatrics.
Researchers from Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, both in Columbus, analyzed data from 1990 to 2014 of almost 3 million children that were treated in the emergency department for a soccer injury.
In that time period, the annual rate of concussions and closed head injuries per 10,000 children playing soccer increased by 1,596 percent, according to the report. The overall injury rate per 10,000 children increased more than 110 percent in the same period.
Concussions and other closed head injuries made up about 7 percent of all injuries. More than 70 percent of all injuries occurred in children ages 12 to 17.
The study authors note the results may stem from an actual increase in injuries or simply more awareness of head injuries and concussions.