While a great deal of attention has focused on concussions caused by football injuries, studies show that women may be at even greater risk because of their smaller frames and neck muscles. Furthermore, women can take longer to heal, especially if they are of childbearing age.

Concussions -- when the brain shakes around in the skull -- are serious no matter which sex or what age you are. Over one million people get concussions every year, though most of them are mild. Another half a million suffer severe concussions.

Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion is critical. If you have a headache, are dizzy, have trouble concentrating, are bothered by bright lights and noise, and have memory loss, you may have a mild concussion, so contact your doctor. He or she will decide whether you should come in for neurological tests or go directly to the hospital for more extensive testing.

If the symptoms are even more severe and include temporary loss of consciousness, vomiting, trouble speaking or numbness in your limbs, get yourself to an emergency room. A CT scan may be used to assess whether you have a brain bleed, such as a hematoma, that could lead to death.

There’s only one cure for a concussion: physical and mental rest. Doctors advise patients not to engage in physical exercise and push themselves mentally. They also advise not taking aspirin or ibuprofen because they can lead to brain bleeds. Instead, take acetaminophen or put ice on your head. With proper care, most head injuries improve within a month.

The key to long-term recovery is to stay alert to any symptoms for weeks or even months after the injury, doctors say.