New UPMC Survey on Concussion Shows Public Confusion

UPMC Concussion SurveyOctober 2015 – A recent survey sponsored by UPMC shows that Americans are very concerned about concussions but are also poorly informed about concussion management and treatment. The survey results HERE, are some of the first ever done since sports concussion have been highlighted by the media.

“This survey highlights the myths about concussion and the need for education. The reality is that we have made tremendous progress in the diagnosis, management and rehabilitation of this injury.” said Micky Collins, Ph.D., executive and clinical director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program. “The study results are cause for concern because, given these advances, parents should not be living in fear. Sports can be an integral part in a child’s physical and social development. As clinicians and scientists, we need to disseminate more accurate information,” added Dr. Collins.

“One of the more disturbing findings of the survey,” notes Dr. Maroon, “is the misunderstanding that concussion results in a life long condition that is untreatable. This is absolutely untrue and may be linked to media reportings and biased sensationalism that surround this topic.”

Example of the national survey of 2,012 Americans age 18 and over was conducted in April 2015 by Harris Poll.
The majority of Americans do not realize that concussions are treatable
  • Barely 1 in 4 (29 percent) of Americans believe that all concussions can be treated
  • 79 percent of adults incorrectly believe or are unsure that there is no real way to cure a concussion; the symptoms can only be lessened
  • About 4 in 5 (81 percent) Americans aren’t comfortable that they would know the steps to manage or treat a concussion if they sustained one

Oct. 15-16, 2015 –  UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program  hosted one of the largest meeting of concussion experts with the purpose to develop best practice guidelines for concussion management.   The meeting participants  proposed standard guidelines on the best practices, protocols and active therapies for treating concussions today.  Dr Joseph Maroon is the Co-Director to the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

“The participants reached unanimous consent on the statement that concussions are treatable and rest after a concussion may not be for everyone”, per Dr Micky Collins, PhD.  Nineteen other recommendations will be published in a white paper to be published in the medical journal Neurosurgery. Read more HERE