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Statistics

Provided by Dr. Martin Mrazik, University of Alberta & Dr. Carolyn Emery, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre (SIPRC)

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. – Dr. Martin Mrazik, University of Alberta


Sports Related Concussions account for about 20% of all concussions with young adults having the highest rates of concussions. – Dr. Martin Mrazik, University of Alberta


Hockey, football, and rugby are sports with the highest rates of concussions although athletes tend to have faster recovery times. – Dr. Martin Mrazik, University of Alberta

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. 

Interesting facts

Provided by Dr. Martin Mrazik, University of Alberta
  1. 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.
  2. Although a majority of people can experience immediate symptoms, sometimes these aren’t easily identifiable for up to several days.
  3. Concussions have been called different names, like a “conky” or “ding” or getting one’s bell rung.”
  4. People experience unique outcomes from concussions, although headaches are the most common symptom occurring in about 85% of people. Read more.
  5. 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.
  6. The Persian physician Rhazes was the first to distinguish concussions from more severe brain injuries in the 10th century.
    Reference
  7. 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

Debunking Myths

Provided by Dr. Martin Mrazik, University of Alberta

  1. You have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

    False! Most concussions involve disorientation, but not a loss of consciousness.

  2. You have to completely rest until I can resume some activities.

    False! In 2012 consensus guidelines recommended complete rest after concussion. But research in the last few years have shown that resting and using the guideline of “symptom limited activity” (reducing the amount of activity if symptoms get worse) is important.

  3. If I have a concussion, it will lead to permanent brain damage.

    False! There are many causes to degenerative brain disease. Scientific studies are learning about the relationship between concussions and brain disease and while there is a relationship, a concussion does not cause brain disease.

  4. There are ways to prevent concussions.

    True! Research has shown that protective equipment, exercise, and sleep are ways to improve brain health and help speed up recovery.