Concussions by the Numbers

A 2011 study confirms that football is still responsible for the majority of concussions at the high school level and that the symptoms of concussion clear in most cases within one week, but also shows for the first time the important role computerized neuropsychological testing is playing in concussion assessment and return to play decisions.  

To help educate coaches, parents, players and officials, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) offers a  free online concussion safety course called "Concussion in Sports - What You Need to Know." To date, more than 47,000 persons have registered and completed the NFHS Coach Education course, which is available at www.nfhslearn.com

Concussion rates in thirteen high school sports from 1998 to 2008, as reported in three separate studies, vary widely by sport and, in some cases, by gender.

A 2010 national survey by the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and the University of Michigan of parents of chidren age 12 to 17 years playing school sports reported a surprising lack of knowlege by parents of concussion risks despite the fact that more than six in ten were at least somewhat worried their children will suffer a concussion while playing school sports.

A Canadian study finding that the risk of concussion  in youth ice hockey leagues that allow body-checking is triple that in leagues that do not, is likely to fuel calls to extend the ban on body-checking to 11- and 12-year-olds playing at the Pee Wee level

The ACTive® sports concussion training and certification program is designed for volunteer youth sports coaches. Coaches taking the program have been shown to have much greater knowledge of concussion symptoms and increased confidence to make decisions about concussion management.

Concussion experts agree that the taking of a detailed concussion history is important for the treatment of concussion after injury and to identify at-risk athletes during a pre-participation physical evaluation or examination (PPE).

In first 24 to 48 hours after suspected concussion, an athlete should be monitored by a parent or other responsible adult  for signs that require immediate hospitalization.

Parents need to be proactive in order to minimize the risks that their child will suffer a concussion while playing sports and, more important, is not allowed to return to play too soon.