Times Union: Girls’ Concussion Risk Higher Than for Boys in Some Sports

Dr. Vincent Somaio at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital recently spoke to the Times Union about a new study that suggests female high school athletes are at higher risk for concussion than high school boys who play the same sport.

From the story:

Dr. Vincent Somaio of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady, described soccer and basketball as “non-collision sports” — as opposed to football and ice hockey — that pose a higher risk for girls than boys. Cheerleading, not considered in the recent study, is also known for its high concussion rates.

“Those are sports where you don’t expect to be injured,” Somaio said. “You’re not bracing for the trauma.”

The reasons that girls may be more prone to concussions are not fully understood, researchers said. But smaller frames and weaker necks are prime suspects.

“You would expect a smaller person to take the impact with more force on their body, which would cause more of an injury,” Somaio said.

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