Concussions Facts and Statistics

Concussions are complex injuries with a wide range of outcomes.

Since each case is unique, there is no simple timeline for recovery.

Some people get better in days, while others need weeks or months. Some may endure long-term effects, often if they haven't sought treatment or didn't get proper care.

But the sooner you get the right treatment, the better chance you have of recovering fully, and faster.

Learn more about concussion symptoms and diagnosis.

Contact the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program

To learn more about concussion treatment or make an appointment with a UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program expert:

• Call 412-432-3681.
• Fill out an online form.

All Concussions Are Serious

Any level of concussion can be a severe health issue. Concussions require prompt care by a health care expert trained in managing concussions.

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

The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program team is here to assess, manage, and treat concussions in athletes and nonathletes of all ages. 

Concussion Statistics

Data gathered by our program finds that concussions in student-athletes are common. And it's vital they have an assessment from someone with concussion expertise.

The same goes for concussions sustained by people during activities of daily living.

We've found that:

• Between 1.7 and 3 million sports- and recreation-related concussions happen each year. Around 300,000 of those are from football.
• 5 in 10 concussions go unreported or undetected.
• 2 in 10 high school athletes who play contact sports — including soccer and lacrosse — will get a concussion this year.
• Girls' soccer sees the 2nd-most concussions of all high school sports, while girls' basketball sees the 3rd most.
• Under the guidance of Michael “Micky" Collins, PhD, director, UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, our team handles over 20,000 patient visits — involving between 6,000 and 7,000 unique patients — each year.
• About 30 percent of our patients travel to us from outside of Pennsylvania or see our experts via video visit.
• About 70 percent of our patients are high school athletes. 

Learn More About Concussions