Researchers have known for some time that female athletes experience higher rates of concussion than their male counterparts, and also often suffer harsher symptoms and take longer to recover. But why women seem more vulnerable to such injuries has long remained a puzzle. “The findings are intriguing,” says UVA neuropsychologist Donna Broshek, who was not involved in the study. “Many theories have been put forth, including that – because of differences in cultural socialization – women are more likely to endorse symptoms.”