Concussions

Unintentional injuries lead to over 42 million emergency department visits each year (36% of all emergency department visits) and are the leading cause of death in children and young adults. Motor vehicle traffic accidents are the leading cause of unintentional injuries (followed closely by firearm injuries and poisonings). Head injuries account for the majority of deaths.

An estimated 75%-90% of the 1.4 million traumatic brain injury-related deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits that occur in the United States each year are concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI).

Many individuals who sustain a mild brain injury are not hospitalized or receive no medical care at all. An unknown proportion of those who are not hospitalized may experience long-term problems such as persistent headache, pain, fatigue, vision or hearing problems, memory problems, confusion, sleep disturbances, or mood changes. Symptoms of MTBI or concussion may appear mild, but can lead to significant, life-long impairment.

To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, CDC developed the “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” initiative to offer information about concussions—a type of traumatic brain injury—to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports. The “Heads Up” initiative provides important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion.

The CDC wants to equip coaches, parents, and young athletes across the country with the "Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” tool kit, which contains:

a fact sheet for coaches on concussion;
a fact sheet for athletes on concussion;
a fact sheet for parents on concussion;
a clipboard with concussion facts for coaches;
a magnet with concussion facts for coaches and parents;
a poster with concussion facts for coaches and sports administrators; and
a quiz for coaches, athletes, and parents to test their concussion knowledge

For more information, and to download copies of this toolkit, go to:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention