By Dr. Brian McDonough

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - According to a new report out of Virginia Tech University, youth football players can experience severe head injuries in games and at practice. Researchers believe the youngsters should have some of the same medical examinations and interventions as older football players.

The study followed seven and eight-year-old football players, a total of 748 hits were recorded in seven different players, each averaged more than 100 hits in the season.

According to the study, the majority of high level impacts occurred during practices with some hits hard enough that they were associated with concussion.

Researchers say parents and coaches must make sure pee-wee players are wearing the proper equipment and headwear.