LINDSEY TANNER
AP Medical Writer
New guidance on concussions shows there isn't enough solid evidence to answer some of parents' most burning questions about contact sports. That includes what age is safest to start playing them.
Pediatric experts in sports medicine, neurology and related fields evaluated and rated three decades of sports concussion-related research. They say recent evidence filled in some blanks. Such as:
— Teen girls face higher risks than boys for concussions when playing the same sport by the same rules
— Hockey body checking bans reduce concussions in players under 13
— Limiting contact in youth tackle football results in fewer head impacts.
"Parents worry, 'Is one concussion to my child going to result in him having dementia at age 50?'" said lead author
