Racial differences in ER visits for children and adolescents with sports-related injuries

This content was originally authored by Galen Moller in the 10/3/19 edition of our Weekly Concussion Update newsletter.

A study by Todd W. Lyons et al. published in Frontiers of Neurology found racial differences in emergency room visits for children with sports-related head injuries. Based on prior studies showing differences in racial groups’ concussion awareness and outcomes, the researchers used data from 2008 to 2017 in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to find differences in how families with children aged 7-18 utilized the emergency department (ED) in hospitals, and whether they were diagnosed with a concussion.

Out of their sample of over 11 million sports-related head injuries, Black children visiting the ED for a sports-related injury were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic white children to be there for a head injury or concussion. Additionally, Black children with head injuries or concussions were less likely than non-Hispanic white children to be diagnosed with a concussion. The researchers conclude that further research and solutions are needed in order for athletes of all races to receive equal brain-injury care.