Are certain athletes at greater risk of a debilitating brain injury than others? According to an article in Women’s Health, female and younger athletes may “take longer to recover from concussions.” The article cited a new study conducted by researchers in Michigan State University’s Department of Kinesiology. How can this information help victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)? In short, the findings suggest that treatment options should be different based on the age and sex of the victim, and physicians should take these factors into account when treating patients with head trauma.
Age and Sex Impact Recovery: Details of the Study
According to Tracey Covassin, the lead researcher on the study, “females performed worse than males on visual memory tests” after sustaining a TBI, and females also “reported more symptoms postconcussion.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury, and they’re typically characterized by a “bump, blow, or jolt to the head.” Typically, concussions aren’t life-threatening injuries, but they can have serious and debilitating effects nonetheless.