About Concussions

Concussions Are Complex Injuries

Concussions are complicated injuries with a wide variety of outcomes.

Because every situation is different, there is no simple timetable for recovery. Some individuals recover in days, others require weeks or months, and some may endure long-term effects.

Learn more about concussion symptoms and risks.

All Concussions Are Serious

Any level of concussion is a serious medical issue that requires prompt clinical attention by a health professional trained in concussions.

To avoid repeat injury, it's critical to manage concussions until complete recovery.

The team at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program is available to assess, manage, treat, and rehabilitate concussions in athletes and nonathletes of all ages. Call 412-432-3681 to schedule an appointment with one of our concussion experts.

Concussions By the Numbers

  • Between 1.7 and 3 million sports- and recreation-related concussions happen every year. On average, 300,000 are football-related.
  • Five of 10 concussions go unreported or undetected.
  • One in 10 high-school athletes who play contact sports — including soccer and lacrosse — will suffer a concussion this year.
  • Girls' soccer sees the second-most concussions of all high school sports. Girls’ basketball sees the third-most.
  • The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program sees 15,000 concussion patients each year:
    • 30 percent are from outside the state of Pennsylvania.
    • About 70 percent are high school-aged.

 

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