Survey: Most adults unable to recognize concussion symptoms

Results from a new survey show that most adults lack a basic understanding about concussion signs and symptoms.

The Abbott’s Concussion IQ Survey, conducted by KRC Research, polled more than 1,000 adults in the U.S. over the age of 18.

“Based on the survey results, it is clear there is a need to build more awareness and understanding about concussions,” said Dr. Beth McQuiston, board-certified neurologist and medical director. “Parents, athletes, coaches and beyond need to be able to recognize signs of concussion to help people seek proper care and rest.”

Here are some of the results:

• Adults are five times more likely to seek medical attention for a broken bone compared to if they thought they had a concussion.

• Six in 10 adults don’t understand that treating a concussion includes mental rest, which may mean limiting time spent on cell phones, watching TV and other activities that could worsen symptoms.

• More than 80 percent of adults believe a person should not sleep and be woken up periodically after being diagnosed with a concussion.

• 64 percent of adults say they did not seek medical attention the last time they hit their head very hard, but nine in 10 people would seek medical attention for a child.

• Almost 70 percent of parents would not send their child to school the day after they hit their head very hard, but over half say they would still go to work or school themselves after a hard hit to the head.

A similar survey this spring conducted by Nemours KidsHealth.org found that 40 percent of coaches “would do something other than removing a child from a play and not allowing them back before they saw a doctor.”