Concussion Risk in Soccer is As High As in Football

Although soccer isn't a high-contact sport like football, children who play soccer are just as likely to get a concussion. Matthew Pecci, M.D., shares what causes concussions in soccer and how coaches can help prevent them.

With spring soccer season gearing up, players and coaches are hitting the pitch—and many are unaware of the heightened potential for concussions inherent in the sport.

"People don't realize it, but we see just as many concussions in soccer as in football," says Matthew Pecci, M.D., a sports medicine physician at Muir Orthopaedic Specialists in Walnut Creek, CA. "And as kids get a little bigger and a little faster, the incidence of concussions increases. We start seeing it at 9 or 10 years of age now a days."

Concussions make up 3 percent of all soccer injuries, according to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggests that the actual figure may be higher due to under reporting. Because of the lack of awareness by players, coaches, and parents to a potential concussion, concussed players may stay in the game and not receive proper treatment, says Pecci.

As with football concussions, early recognition of symptoms is key, according to Pecci, who specializes in concussion management. A player may head the ball hard, have a little dizziness and headache afterward, but think that's just a normal part of heading. But that can be a sign of concussion, especially if it doesn't clear quickly. It's the same with other head contact in the game.