Epidemiology

Approximately 1.4 million patients are attended annually in hospital following a head injury in England and Wales. About 68% of those admitted (n=15,080) have a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) on admission.[8]​ Mild TBI is estimated to affect 55.9 million people globally each year.[9]​ Mild TBI, which represents approximately 90% of all TBIs, increasingly affects ageing populations who experience falls, and increasing incidence may also reflect rising numbers of road traffic collisions in low- and middle-income countries and widespread concerns regarding long-term effects of sports-related concussion.[10][11]​​ Young men represent nearly two-thirds of the cases seen each year worldwide.[12][13]​ C​oncussion incidence rates appear to be significantly higher in women than in men for a number of team sports, including soccer, ice hockey, and basketball.[12][13][14]​​ Women typically report more complex symptomatology and slower recovery.[2][15][16][17]​​​

Risk factors

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head injury

A mild traumatic brain injury results from a closed head injury due to a direct blow to the head or deceleration of the head from an impulsive force.[1]

alcohol and drug misuse

Alcohol and drug misuse is associated with a significantly higher risk for all forms of traumatic brain injury, but this is confounded by a higher overall risk for all forms of external injury.[29][30]

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poor neck strength

Poor overall neck strength has been associated with an increased risk of concussion in high school sports.[31][32]

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