What Criteria Make You More Susceptible to a Concussion?
Although a concussion is typically considered to be a mild to moderate from of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can have serious consequences. Symptoms can persist for weeks or months, and can make it difficult or impossible to return to a normal life. If there are factors that make you more susceptible to a concussion, you want to know, so that you can potentially take steps to reduce the risk.
What Risk Factors Are Most Often Linked to Concussions?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most common causes of concussions are falls, motor vehicle accidents, physical assaults and sports-related impact.
Sports-Related Concussion Risks
According to data collected by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the likelihood of concussion or similar head trauma depends on a number of factors, from the sport you play to your position or style of play.
Not surprisingly, the collegiate sport posing the greatest risk of concussion is football, with an estimated 3 concussions per 1,000 athletes. With more than 73,000 playing college football every year, that’s more than 220 concussions annually. Lacrosse and ice hockey also see a high incidence of concussions. At the opposite end of the spectrum, baseball and volleyball see less than 10 percent of the concussion injuries reported in football. Studies show that, at the college and professional level, quarterbacks are most susceptible to concussions, whereas, in high school, linebackers and running backs have the most risk.
In individual sports, boxers have the greatest risk (some estimates are as high as 90%), whereas tennis players have virtually no risk of head trauma.
Repeated Head Trauma
The other factor most often linked with concussions is prior head trauma, specifically prior concussions. Studies show that if you’ve had one prior concussion, you may be twice as likely to suffer a second one. If you’ve had two prior concussions, you may be four times as likely to sustain another one. If you’ve had three earlier concussions, you could be 10 times as likely to have another one.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience helping injured federal workers recover medical benefits through a work comp claim. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.