The Department of Kinesiology at Michigan State University conducted a study that revealed significant geographic variations in concussion diagnoses in emergency departments across the United States. The research, published in the Journal of Safety Research, analyzed data from 2010 to 2018, focusing on sport-related concussions (SRC) and nonsport-related concussions (NSRC). The study found over 1,150 emergency department visits due to concussions, representing more than 7 million visits nationwide through a probability sampling method.
The study discovered regional differences in concussion diagnoses, with the highest rates in the South and lower rates in the Midwest and Northeast. The higher frequency of concussion diagnoses in the South could be linked to the region’s high population density. It was also noted that regional variations in health care utilization might contribute to the discrepancies in reported concussions. The researchers emphasized the need for tailored public health strategies to address these inconsistencies effectively.
Health care access emerged as a crucial factor in concussion diagnoses, with the location of treatment facilities playing a significant role. Factors such as one’s job, insurance type, and care-seeking behaviors influence where individuals seek treatment for concussions. Additionally, the study found that 94.3% of concussions were caused by nonsport-related mechanisms, such as motor vehicle accidents and falls. This highlights the importance of broadening concussion research and awareness efforts beyond sports contexts, as NSRCs impact a larger portion of the population.
The research team suggested the need for further studies and increased awareness regarding NSRCs, as they are often overlooked compared to SRCs. While legislative efforts have focused on managing SRCs in recent years, the higher occurrence of less-addressed NSRCs calls for policy attention to enhance prevention and treatment efforts. The study’s findings underscore the importance of understanding the different mechanisms of concussions and the need for targeted interventions to address these variations effectively.
The study’s first author, Aaron Zynda, a graduate of the Department of Kinesiology Doctoral Program at Michigan State University, highlighted the need for exploring additional factors influencing regional differences in concussion diagnoses. Zynda emphasized the importance of understanding why these variations occur and the necessity for tailored public health strategies to address them effectively. The researchers stressed the need for comprehensive research and awareness initiatives beyond sports contexts to address NSRCs and enhance prevention and treatment efforts.
In conclusion, the study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University revealed significant geographic variations in concussion diagnoses across US emergency departments. The research emphasized the need for tailored public health strategies to address the disparities effectively and highlighted the importance of health care access and the different mechanisms of concussions. Strategies to enhance prevention and treatment efforts, particularly for NSRCs, were recommended, calling for increased policy attention to address the higher occurrence of less-addressed concussions in nonsport-related contexts. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors influencing concussion diagnoses and underscore the importance of targeted interventions to combat these regional discrepancies effectively.