As part of the course “Women in Elite Sports” in the Master’s program in Elite Sports at the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM), Nina Feddermann, founder of BrainCare, delivered a double lecture on the topic of concussions. The response was remarkable: despite record-breaking snowfall, over 40 motivated students participated, engaging in lively discussions on diagnostics, therapeutic approaches, long-term effects, and the healthcare situation in Switzerland.
Particularly noteworthy: around 20% of the attendees had personally experienced a concussion and shared very diverse experiences. These personal accounts enriched the discussion and underscored the importance of the topic—especially when addressing gender-specific differences.
Differences Between Women and Men in Concussions
Current research shows that women are affected by concussions in significantly different ways compared to men. Key differences include:
- Increased Risk: Hormonal differences and generally lower neck muscle strength make women more susceptible to concussions.
- More Severe Symptoms: Women often report stronger and more varied symptoms.
- Longer Recovery Time: Women typically require more time to recover.
- Menstrual Cycle Disruption: Concussions can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal Influence: The phase of the menstrual cycle can significantly impact the type and severity of symptoms.
- Comorbidities: Conditions such as migraines and anxiety disorders, which are more common in women, can exacerbate symptoms.
- Greater Psychological Pressure: Women often feel a stronger pressure to recover quickly and return to full performance.
- Symptom Underreporting: Societal norms often lead to the minimization of symptoms among women.
Scientific Insights and Practical Implications
These differences are not only scientifically significant but also necessitate practical adaptations in diagnosis and treatment. Nina Feddermann emphasized the importance of raising awareness of these issues and advancing the management of concussions, particularly in women.
Commitment to Raising Awareness
Thanks to the invitation from Luzia Kalberer, BrainCare had the opportunity to present this critical topic to a broad audience. The students showed great interest and contributed valuable questions. Together, efforts must continue to ensure that concussions — especially in women — are better understood and managed.
