Head Injuries: More Common in High School than in College Football

A new study found that the incidence of serious head injuries and concussion in football players is three times higher in high school than in college. The study was published in the July issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Although the reason for this difference is not know, the study authors highlight the fact that many of the high school players were returning to football while they still had symptoms from a prior head injury and they aren't adhering to recommendations that an athlete with any neurologic symptom from a head injury should not return to play. Player, coaches, parents, and medical staff at the high school level are strongly advised to understand and adhere to this guideline.