BlueCross BlueShield just released its Health of America Report showing that concussion diagnoses have increased 43% from 2010-2015. The rise was particularly marked in children and teens with a 71% rise in diagnosed incidences. Not surprisingly the rate in male patients during the fall season was double that of females. “Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts had the highest rates of concussion diagnoses for patients 10-19. The study also reported an increase of 84% in post-concussion syndrome diagnoses with an interesting split–“more females then males ages 20-64 experienced post-concussion syndrome (61.3% vs. 38.7%).”

Some percentage of the increase could be attributed to a growing recognition of the long term impact of concussion, particularly the increased rate of suicide linked to the condition. However, it is disturbing that the concussion diagnoses increased in nearly every state from 2010-2015. The significant change raises questions on causation and indicates the need for more research.