Five Important Things About Sports Concussion

Concussion is considered the most complex of all injuries to evaluate and manage. Here are some important facts you should know.

 

1. Sports concussion is common

From 3 to 5 percent of all athletes experience a concussion during a given sports season — with about 40,000 concussions in high school football alone.

 

2. It's more common than we know

It's estimated that only about half of all concussions are reported by athletes. Why?

Some may stay quiet because they don't want to be withheld from competition. But it's often the case that athletes:

  • Do not recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion
  • Do not think the injury is serious enough to warrant reporting

 

3. The first week is critical

On average, 80 to 90 percent of athletes achieve a full symptom and functional recovery during the first 7 to 10 days after concussion.

 

4. At risk for repeat concussion during first days

Up to 90 percent of repeat concussions occur during the first 10 days after an initial concussion.

 

5. Repeat concussion brings risks

Athletes who suffer multiple concussions have greater health risks, especially if the new injury occurs before the athlete has made a full recovery from the initial concussion.  

 
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call the ProHealth Care Neuroscience Center's TBI and Concussion Clinic at 262-928-8200.