Recent studies of college football players have shown that concussions occur from blows to different parts of the head and of varying magnitude. There is therefore no way to know for certain whether a particular blow will lead to a concussion.
A relatively minor impact may result in a concussion while a high-magnitude hit to the head may not (concussions from relatively minor impact are more likely in athletes with a multiple concussion history, or where their brains have not yet healed from a previous concussion).
A recent study1 suggests that high school football players, especially those playing the so-called "skill" positions (i.e. quarterback, running back, wide receiver) suffer more intense impacts to their heads than their college counterparts, and hence are more susceptible to concussion and severe spinal injury.
Impacts to the top of the head (such as occur in helmet-to-helmet contact) tend, however, to be higher in magnitude and appear to be more likely to cause concussion. Teaching proper tackling technique (keeping head up) and avoiding contact to the top of the helmet is therefore critically important.
For the most comprehensive, up-to-date concussion information on the Internet, click here.
1. Broglio, et. al, Head Impacts During High School Football: A Biomechanical Assessment, J Athletic Tr. 2009; 44(4): 342-349.
Posted March 14, 2011
