According to the Brain Injury Association of America, an estimated 2.8 million people sustain new brain injuries annually in the U.S., and most of these are considered mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), or concussions. The actual number of annual concussions may be much higher because up to half may go unreported.
Falls, being struck by an object, and motor vehicle accidents are thought to be the most common causes of traumatic brain injury overall. Up to 3.8 million concussions are estimated to occur in the U.S. during sports and recreational activities each year (National Library of Medicine). Risk factors for concussion include participation in contact sports, unsafe driving practices, and employment in certain occupations. Military service members are at an increased risk for concussion compared to civilian peers.