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Concussion Rate Among Young Athletes Growing

DENVER (CBS4)- Researchers believe concussions can be a very serious condition if left untreated.

More than 62,000 young athletes across the nation reported concussions last year. The symptoms are easy to spot.

"Headache, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty concentrating," said Dr. Karen McAvoy with the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.

The Denver Broncos hosted a summit on concussion awareness for more than 300 area coaches at Sports Authority Field on Tuesday.

"Coaches of these youth leagues will be able to take it back and administer it and we'll have a great year and the kids will be safe," said former Denver Bronco Billy Thompson.

That's where one parent talked about her journey with just how serious concussions can be. Jake Snakenberg died from a head injury he suffered during Grandview High School Football game.

"Jake drank up life like it was pouring from a fire hose," said Snakenberg's mother Kelli Jantz.

The 15-year-old's mother helped pass a law in Colorado that set guidelines for concussion treatment and awareness.

"They must remove that athlete from play. They must allow the athlete to go back into play only under the guidance of healthcare professionals," said McAvoy.

"To be able to go out there and prevent other families from going through what we've been through is very important for my entire family. Leagues will be able to take it back and administer it and we'll have a great year and kids will be safe," said Jantz.

The summit featured everything from head injury education and training to proper tackling techniques.

"You get to use this with the kids you have and it's ultimately about their safety. Having the kids in mind in regards to their safety. It's a huge value," said coach Kevin Lynch.

Physicians said if you believe your child has a head injury always err on the side of caution and get medical attention.

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