As summer kicks off and student-athletes return to the field for camps, practices, and preseason workouts, it’s more important than ever to focus on sports safety—especially when it comes to concussions. SSM Health is committed not just to healing, but to understanding and preventing injury.
Dr. Jamil Neme, associate professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and director of the Concussion Clinic at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, has closely monitored research trends and is shining a light on a critical issue in sports medicine: the gender gap in concussion research.
A season for awareness
Concussions—a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body—are particularly common during the summer months when athletic activity peaks. With more young athletes participating in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and other high-impact sports, the risk of head injuries rises. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties, with more severe cases potentially leading to brain swelling or bleeding.
“During the summer months, there is certainly no lack of sports,” said Dr. Neme. “You think about training camps for basketball, soccer, and then football, for instance. When you have summer heat and exercise, there is always a risk of heat-related injuries that we need to look out for.”
What’s especially concerning is that, over the past two decades, the number of female athletes treated for concussions has tripled. Yet research has largely centered on male athletes, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of how concussions affect women and girls differently.
The case for inclusive research
Dr. Neme emphasizes that this lack of gender-specific research has real consequences. “When we have a lack of holistic view of the athletes we take care of, there could be a missing piece in our diagnosis or treatment plans that could make a significant difference for that athlete,” he said. “So, in the case of female athletes, there could be a nuance to injury prevention that may make a difference.”
Differences in anatomy, hormonal cycles, and biomechanics between males and females can influence both how concussions are sustained and how patients recover. Without adequate studies including female athletes, we risk overlooking key prevention and treatment strategies.
At a time when girls’ participation in sports is at an all-time high—especially in summer leagues and travel teams—it’s crucial that our research reflects the athletes we serve.
A commitment to safer summers
SSM Health believes all athletes deserve access to informed, personalized care. Dr. Neme and the team at our Concussion Clinic are actively working to close the gender gap in concussion research and raise awareness among families, coaches, and athletes.
While summer may bring a slight decrease in school-aged sports injuries, Dr. Neme noted, “As far as in my clinic, the summertime does have a slight decrease in concussion or injuries in general for school-aged athletes. Once school and organized sport kicks into higher gear in the fall, then subsequently injury visits do increase.”
Still, with the summer calendar full of training camps and tournaments, the risk of concussion remains—and the need for proactive care is as strong as ever.
Protecting the next generation of athletes
Addressing disparities in concussion research is not only a matter of scientific rigor—it’s about safety for every athlete on the field. As summer sports heat up, SSM Health is proud to lead the way in promoting safer play, better care, and smarter research for all.
Let’s make this summer a safer one—for every athlete. Learn more about SSM Health’s treatment of concussions.
