title: Update on the Epidemiology of Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
abstract: Mild traumatic injuries to the brain (e.g., concussion) are common and have been recognized since antiquity, although definitions have varied historically. Nonetheless, studying the epidemiology of concussion helps clarify the overall importance, risk factors, and at-risk populations for this injury. The present review will focus on recent findings related to the epidemiology of concussion including definition controversies, incidence, and patterns in the population overall and in the military and athlete populations specifically. Finally, as this is an area of active research, we will discuss how future epidemiologic observations hold promise for gaining greater clarity about concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.
authors.affiliation: Epidemiology Consult Service, U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM), 2510 5th Street, Building 840, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), OH, 45433-7913, USA, jameson.voss@us.af.mil.
authors.forename: Jameson D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Voss
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Schwab
authors.forename: Ann I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Scher
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008889:Military Personnel