Leading neurologists have called for more research into women and concussion in an effort to aid the recovery of sportswomen who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury.

The differences in post-concussive recoveries between men and women were laid bare in a special report by Telegraph Sport, which underlined how female brain cells were at greater risk of degeneration from a head injury trauma than male brain cells.

It also shed light on how women are more susceptible to prolonged post-concussive recovery lengths, highlighting the case of Britain's Olympic hockey gold medallist Nicola White, who has been unable to return to the pitch 20 months after suffering a concussion. Several studies conducted in the US have also suggested the influence of oral hormonal contraception and where a woman is in her menstrual cycle may also impact on the likelihood of a female being concussed.

Reacting to Telegraph Sport’s special report, Peter McCabe, chief executive of brain injury charity Headway, said: “We’ve known for some time that women are at greater risk of concussion, but this latest research looking into whether women are more susceptible at certain times in their menstrual cycle is particularly interesting. However, more research is needed. Further research, that included a greater number of sportswomen would allow for clearer concussion protocols and recommendations.”