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Updated: May 13, 2026
11:32
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Cognitive ability and educational level in relation to concussion: a population study of young men
Thomas William Teasdale1, Anna Julie Frøsig
1Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
BMJ Open
|March 12, 2013
Summary
Lower cognitive ability (CA) and educational level (EL) are associated with an increased risk of concussion. The risk of concussion is higher with more severe injuries, indicating a significant link between intellect, education, and head trauma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Concussion, a traumatic brain injury, can have lasting effects.
- Understanding risk factors for concussion is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cognitive ability (CA) and educational level (EL) with the occurrence of concussion.
- To explore how injury severity relates to these factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized epidemiological cross-linkage of Danish national computer registers.
- Analyzed data from 130,420 young men examined at Danish draft boards (2006-2010).
- Assessed CA test scores, EL, and concussion occurrences (2004-2009) treated in emergency or inpatient settings.
Main Results:
- Men with concussion (n=3067) had lower CA than the general cohort.
- Lower CA was more pronounced in those hospitalized for concussion compared to those treated in A&E.
- Lower EL was a stronger predictor of concussion risk than lower CA, with significantly fewer concussion patients attending higher education ('gymnasium').
Conclusions:
- Lower cognitive ability and, particularly, lower educational level are identified as risk factors for sustaining concussions.
- The risk of concussion increases with injury severity, suggesting a dose-response relationship.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering cognitive and educational background in concussion risk assessment and prevention.
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