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Descriptive epidemiology of concussion
Kevin E Gordon1, Joseph M Dooley, Ellen P Wood
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. KEGOR@DAL.CA
Pediatric Neurology
|May 2, 2006
Summary
Annually, 110 in 100,000 Canadians reported concussion as their most serious injury. Younger males were more likely to experience concussions, with over half related to sports.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Background:
- Concussion, a common traumatic brain injury, significantly impacts public health.
- Understanding concussion epidemiology is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
- Nationally representative data on concussion prevalence in Canada is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the annual prevalence of reported concussions in Canada.
- To identify demographic factors associated with concussion.
- To investigate the role of sports and recreational activities in concussion incidence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microdata from the Canadian National Population Health Survey (1996-1997).
- Inclusion of 81,804 respondents representing 28,606,100 Canadians.
- Reporting of injuries serious enough to limit normal activities, with focus on the most serious injury, including concussion.
Main Results:
- Annual prevalence of concussion as the most serious injury was 110 per 100,000 Canadians.
- Concussion reporting was higher in younger individuals (P < 0.001) and males (P = 0.02).
- Over 54% of concussions were sport-related, particularly in the 16-34 age group (>85%).
Conclusions:
- Presents the first national prevalence estimates for reported concussions in Canada.
- Highlights younger males as a key demographic for concussion risk.
- Underscores the significant contribution of sports and recreational activities to concussion rates.