Are women more likely to suffer concussions?

By studying sports concussions, neuroscientists and researchers have gained significant strides in understanding brain trauma. However, the majority of studies have looked at male brains. The reason being, presumably, because males typically engage in high-impact sports in greater numbers.

Recent research has spotlighted the importance of studying female brain trauma. A study in the journal Glia showed that brains of male mice actually had a greater immune response after head injury than female mice, meaning male mice were more likely to recover after traumatic brain injury. And a study by the Columbia University Medical Center showed that concussion risk may be higher among women athletes.

The National Institutes of Health recently mandated that female brains be a part of studies involving head trauma to further explore this issue.

What does this mean for you?

It is impossible to draw wide conclusions from a handful of studies. However, what researchers are discovering is that female and male brains may react differently to head trauma. If so, it could have serious implications for sports. It could also play a role in how car accident victims are treated after accidents.

Anyone who has suffered a potential head injury should be sure to get checked out. Even if you believe you are fine, symptoms of a head injury do not always manifest immediately. And even if other passengers in the car were uninjured, that does not mean a similar impact may not have harmed you or a loved one, as everyone reacts differently to a head injury.

As strides continue to be made in traumatic brain injury diagnostics and treatment, it is as important as ever to ensure you are treating potential and existing brain injuries with proper medical attention.