TORONTO – A new study examining concussion rates in Ontario suggests the condition is more prevalent than previously reported.
The study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that an average of 150,000 Ontario residents were diagnosed with a concussion each year between 2008 and 2016.
The study’s lead researchers say that figure represents just 1.2 per cent of the province’s population, but is twice as high as findings from past research into concussion rates.
They say they reached that conclusion after reviewing data from all Ontario residents diagnosed with a concussion either by a primary care doctor or emergency room physician between 2008 and 2016.
The study also found that concussion diagnoses were more common in rural communities than urban areas, while most of the resources meant to tackle the condition are located in cities.
The study’s co-authors say they don’t believe more people are actually sustaining head injuries, but instead attribute the higher rates to increased awareness of concussion risks and more dedicated research on the issue.