Concussion Statistics, Facts, & Myths

There are an estimated 200,000 concussions or approximately 500/1000 people each year in Canada that sustain a concussion. Falls and motor vehicle accidents being the primary causes of concussion.

Sports Related Concussions account for about 20% of all concussions with young adults having the highest rates of concussions. 

Hockey, football, and rugby are sports with the highest rates of concussions although athletes tend to have faster recovery times. 

Some people are at a slightly higher risk for experiencing concussion, such as those with a history of attention disorders, learning disabilities, headaches, mental health concerns, or the female sex. 

Concussions have been called different names, like a “conky” or “ding” or getting one’s "bell rung.”

Although a majority of people can experience immediate symptoms, sometimes these aren’t easily identifiable for up to several days.

The symptoms of concussions overlap with other conditions, like pain, migraines, or mood disorders, so it can be difficult to sort these out, especially right after a concussion.

People of all ages get concussions, but a study conducted by the Injury Prevention Centre determined that Alberta residents between the ages of 10 and 24 had the highest average number of concussion emergency department visits.

The Persian physician Rhazes was the first to distinguish concussions from more severe brain injuries in the 10th century.Reference

There is an estimated 1 in 5 lifetime risk of concussion, and children and adolescents account for over 50% of this burden. 

In Alberta, 14% of male high school students and 10% of female high school students report at least one concussion in the past year. 

In youth, 30% of concussions are recurrent and 30% of youth will suffer symptoms for months. 

Some people are at a slightly higher risk for experiencing concussion, such as those with a history of attention disorders, learning disabilities, headaches, mental health concerns, or the female sex.

While concussions can happen to anyone at any time due to a fall or other accident, the risk of concussion is higher during sports. The risk is highest during high impact sports. Reference

People experience unique outcomes from concussions, although headaches are the most common symptom occurring in about 85% of people. Read more.

A study conducted by the Injury Prevention Centre determined that 37 Albertans sustain a concussion each day. That is 13,579 concussions per year being diagnosed in Alberta’s emergency departments. That number does not include concussions treated at physicians’ offices, walk-in clinics, or those not recognized or treated.

A study conducted by the Injury Prevention Centre determined that in Alberta the highest number of concussions was due to falls. Followed by concussions due to sports activities and motor vehicle crashes.