Concussion and Academic Impairment Among U.S. High School Students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Neuroscience
• Education

Background:

• Sports and physical activities are leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, particularly concussions, in adolescents.
• Concussions can negatively affect students' cognitive functions, impacting their academic performance and learning abilities in educational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between sports-related concussions and cognitive impairment symptoms.
• To investigate the relationship between concussions and academic achievement (grades) in high school students.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 14,765 U.S. high school students.
• Examined self-reported concussions, cognitive impairment symptoms (difficulty concentrating, remembering, decision-making), and academic grades.
• Used adjusted prevalence ratios and grade point average differences, controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, grade, and athlete status.

Main Results:

• Students with concussions were more likely to report cognitive impairment symptoms (APR 1.37-1.49).
• Male students and athletes reported concussions more frequently than females and non-athletes.
• Concussions were associated with a significant decrease in self-reported grade point average, with multiple concussions leading to lower GPAs (2.81 for ≥2 concussions vs. 3.14 for no concussions).

Conclusions:

• Concussions in adolescents are linked to cognitive difficulties and reduced academic performance.
• School-based programs are essential for monitoring academic progress and providing support for students recovering from concussions.