Sex Differences in Concussion Symptoms of High School Athletes Essay Example

female high school athletes often experiencing more severe effects. This can lead to a higher chance of disability and longer hospital stays (Frommer et al., 2011). In addition, women athletes who sustain concussions are at a greater risk of death compared to men. The role of hormone response in head trauma is believed to contribute significantly to these disparities. Two years' worth of data from reports on high school student athletes with concussions (2005-2006 and 2006-2007), obtained through Reporting Information Online (RIO), showed slight variations in symptoms but similar recovery times and durations before returning to play were observed. Headaches were reported by both genders in the first year, with slightly more cases among men. However, in the second year, there was an increase in females experiencing headaches compared to males (Frommer et al., 2011).

The symptoms of sports-related head injuries vary based on gender. These symptoms include amnesia, confusion, drowsiness, and sensitivity to noise. Male athletes typically report amnesia and confusion more frequently, while females commonly report sensitivity to noise and drowsiness. However, it is important to note that women can still experience amnesia and confusion, albeit less frequently than men.

The prevalence of various symptoms is higher, indicating that athletic physicians need to be aware that post-concussion pathology can manifest in different ways (Frommer et al, 2011). It is crucial to handle neurobehavioral symptoms with sensitivity, especially in girls. While traditionally there has been a greater participation rate of males in sports, the recent years have seen a shift with an increasing number of female high school athletes. As a result, female athletes are more susceptible to experiencing concussions, potentially due to their involvement in

rough and tumble games.

Symptom resolution time

A significant statistical difference was observed in the collected data.

Out of the student athletes, only 27 did not provide their symptom resolution time. This group consisted of 4 females and 23 males. A majority of them saw their symptoms resolve within three days. The resolution time for symptoms did not appear to be significantly impacted by gender (Frommer et al, 2011). Similar to data gathered from college students, high school students also experienced a speedy clearance of concussion symptoms.

Symptoms such as nausea and headache were resolved within 5 days, but neuropsychological alterations continued beyond this time. These concussions frequently result in cognitive issues like short-term memory loss and slower processing time. It is crucial to thoroughly evaluate these problems as they might be disregarded.

Time to return to play

64% of athletes had returned to play within nine days.

According to a study by Frommer et al (2011), the majority of men and women returned to work within different time frames after experiencing concussions. Men typically returned within 7-9 days, while women usually returned within 3-6 days. It is crucial for parents to be aware of these slight differences in concussions because they can have a prolonged impact on the athlete and potentially affect the outcome of their injuries. If parents cannot identify a specific symptom, it is recommended for them to notify a specialist if they observe any changes in the athlete's behavior. Athletes who have not fully recovered should avoid resuming play as doing so could worsen their condition and increase their risk of harm.

The assessment of each concussion is crucial in preventing the oversight of symptoms, especially

regarding neurobehavioral issues. It is also important to incorporate physical examinations and balance measurements to evaluate an athlete's readiness for returning to the field. Interestingly, previous assumptions about gender playing a significant role in sports-related concussions may not be accurate. Consequently, researchers are now focusing on investigating other factors that could potentially impact concussions in sports (Frommer et al, 2011). The ultimate goal is to provide trainers with new insights that can aid them in managing young athletes and determining the optimal time for their return after injuries. These factors include sleep patterns, age, and a history of attention deficit disorder.

Research indicates that females necessitate increased monitoring and more aggressive medical treatment in relation to concussions, compared to males. While the symptoms of sport-related concussions differ between genders, there is no significant discrepancy in recovery time and return to play. Male athletes commonly exhibit cognitive symptoms, while female athletes frequently report somatic and neurobehavioral symptoms. To adequately evaluate concussions, a comprehensive approach involving neurocognitive assessment, balance measurements, symptom evaluation, and physical examination is recommended.

Reference

• The reference for this text is Frommer, L. J., Gurka, K. K., Cross, K. M., Ingersoll, C. D., Comstock, R. D., & Saliba, S. A. (2011). Sex differences in concussion symptoms of high school athletes. Journal of athletic training, 46(1), 76-84.