How common is a concussion history among US children and adolescents?
A 2024 survey of US children and adolescents found that roughly 20% had ever received a diagnosis of a concussion or brain injury 4. This means one in five young people in the country carries a history of this common brain injury. The prevalence is not evenly distributed across all groups, as children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to report a lifetime history of concussion than those without ADHD 6.
What the research says
A cross-sectional survey specifically examined how common concussion diagnoses are among children and adolescents in the United States 4. The report describes the percentage of youth who had ever received a diagnosis, establishing a baseline prevalence for the general population. While the exact percentage varies by study, a systematic review of sport-related concussions found that a median of 36% of the youth studied had a prior history of concussion 5. This higher percentage in sports-focused studies reflects the increased exposure to head impacts in athletic settings compared to the general population.
What to ask your doctor
- What is the estimated lifetime prevalence of concussion in children and adolescents in the US?
- How does having ADHD affect the likelihood of a child having a history of concussion?
- Are there specific risk factors for concussion that I should monitor in my child?
- What is the difference between a concussion diagnosis and a brain injury diagnosis in children?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Pediatrics and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.