Study reveals troubling concussion numbers among Arizona student-athletes

PHOENIX — Nearly one out of every three 12th-grade student-athletes in Arizona have sustained a concussion, according to a new study from the Barrow Neurological Institute.

Doctors said it’s a disturbing number and concussion concerns are keeping some students from playing sports.

“One in four boys report that they will not play football because of concerns about concussions,” Dr. Javier Cardenas, sports neurologist at Barrow Neurological Institute, said. “One in 10 girls report that their concerns about concussions keep them from playing soccer.”

Cardenas said there is a silver lining when it comes to Arizona student-athletes reporting concussions.

“Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed reported they would tell their coach if they had a concussion,” Cardenas said.

Of student-athletes surveyed statewide, 61 percent said they are more aware of the symptoms and dangers of concussions than they were a few years ago.