How Dangerous are Youth Sports for the Brain? A Review of the Evidence

Abstract

In this Article, we review over 100 studies to answer the question: How likely is it that a youth athlete will sustain a concussion? On the basis of this review, we argue that both ends of the current concussion debate are problematic. On one hand, the data clearly suggest that the vast majority of youth athletes will not sustain a concussion. Moreover, a significant proportion of those who do experience a concussion will see their post-concussion symptoms dissipate within three weeks. On the other hand, the data also clearly shows that there are serious, non-zero risks of brain injury from playing contact sports before and during high school. These risks are elevated in collision sports, and current data collection methods likely underestimate actual incidence rates. Problematically, we find that while over 100 studies have been conducted and give us credible estimates for concussion incidence, this incidence data is absent from current educational materials delivered to athletes and parents. We argue, based on this data, that concussion risk can be better communicated to athletes and parents. The data on incidence rates remains incomplete, but it is still informative. We should not hide it from youth athletes.