Underestimating Concussions

In 2009, nearly a quarter million children and teens sought treatment for a traumatic brain injury sustained in sports or other recreation.

That number is based on visits to emergency departments.

Now, a new study suggests that figure may greatly under-estimate the true number of youth concussions.

"Primary care pediatricians are the first stop for many kids with concussion," explained Dr. Kristy Arbogast.

Arbogast and colleagues at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia examined their hospital system's records from more than 8,000 children diagnosed with a concussion.

The majority did not go to the emergency room first, heading instead to their primary care doctor.

"I think these results will help shift how we count concussions in this country," Arbogast said.

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