Sport Concussion Facts

1. There are between an estimated 1.6 and 3.8 million sports-related concussions in the United States every year
2. According to the C.D.C.,12 during 2001-2009, an estimated 2.7 million children aged ≤19 years were treated annually in emergency departments (EDs) for sports and recreation-related injuries. Approximately 6.5%, or 173,285, of these injuries, were traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussion.
3. During the same period, the estimated number of sports and recreation-related TBI visits to EDs increased 62%, from 153,375 to 248,418
4. For young people ages 15 to 24 years, sports are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury behind only motor vehicle crashes
5. 5-10% of athletes will experience a concussion in any given sport season
6. One study estimates that the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion is as high as 20% per season
7. Football is the most common sport with concussion risk for males (75% chance for concussion)
8. Soccer is the most common sport with concussion risk for females (50% chance for concussion)
9. Some studies suggest that females are twice as likely to sustain a concussion as males
10. Once an athlete has suffered an initial concussion, his or her chances of a second one are 3 to 6 times greater than an athlete who has never sustained a concussion
11. Fewer than 10% of sport related concussions involve a Loss of Consciousness
12. Estimated 47% of athletes do not report feeling any symptoms after a concussive blow
13. Impact speed of a professional boxers punch: 20mph
14. Impact speed of a football player tackling a stationary player: 25mph
15. Impact speed of a soccer ball being headed by a player: 70mph