Half of all high school football players would not report symptoms of a concussion, according to a new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center doctors. The report, which will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting today, shows that half of all players would also continue to play even if they had headaches resulting from an on-field injury and despite knowing the symptoms and dangers of concussions, a Cincinnati Children's press release says.

The researchers surveyed 120 high school football players and found that more than 90 percent of them had a clear understanding of what kinds of serious injuries they could incur if they went back to playing too quickly after a concussion. Despite this knowledge, however, 53 percent of those surveyed said they would "always or sometimes continue to play with a headache sustained from an injury," while only 54 percent said they would report the injury to a coach, according to the press release.

While the team cannot make specific policy recommendations, said lead author Brit Anderson, increased screening of high school athletes at the sidelines by coaches or trainers may be warranted.