Newswise — With the mega-excitement about women's soccer, lots of little girls may now want to play soccer. Before giving their go-ahead, parents should be aware of the risks for concussions. Concussions can lead to temporary or long-term brain damage.

Kevin Crutchfield, M.D., the director of the Comprehensive Sports Concussion Program at LifeBridge Health, is an expert in this field. He serves as an independent neurologist for Major League Soccer's D.C. United team, the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles.

Dr. Crutchfield can share his insight into what parents should know and how they can best protect their children. By the way, he says if kids are taught the correct way to head a ball, they will not get a concussion from that, although other things can play a factor.

For more information about the Comprehensive Sports Concussion Program at the Sandra And Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute at LifeBridge Health, click here.