Concussions Facts and Statistics

Concussions are complex injuries with a wide range of outcomes.

Because every case is different, there is no simple timetable for recovery. Some people 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 a concussion can be a serious medical issue that requires prompt care by a health professional trained in managing concussions.

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

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

Call 412-432-3681 to schedule an appointment with one of our concussion experts.

Concussions Statistics

According to the statistics collected by the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, concussions that occur in student athletes are common and should always be assessed by a medical professional.

• Between 1.7 and 3 million sports- and recreation-related concussions happen each year. Around 300,000 are football-related.
• 5 of 10 concussions go unreported or undetected.
• 2 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 more than 17,000 patients each year:
  • 30 percent are from outside the state of Pennsylvania.
  • About 70 percent are high school-aged.