A person doesn’t have to suffer seven concussions throughout life to be adversely affected by head injury. Even multiple subconcussive hits aren’t necessary for there to be serious consequences. Sometimes all it takes is one moment to change a child’s brain for years into the future.

New research indicates that a single concussion in youth and teens could adversely affect a person’s mental and physical function far into adulthood. Of course, the chances of long-term issues increase with multiple concussions, but lone concussions are still far more dangerous than most realize.

In a study of 104,000 Swedish head injury victims and their families, researchers found that those who had suffered one concussion before the age of 25, when compared to their siblings and to the nation’s average citizen, were disadvantaged. They were significantly more likely to receive disability payments later in life and to seek mental health care, were much less likely to be high school graduates or college attendees, and had a much higher risk of dying prematurely.

Given the ramifications, don’t wait to worry about head safety until your first concussion gives you a wake-up call. That first concussion may be all it takes to harm you for life.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.