The number of children receiving concussion treatment has increased dramatically due to greater public awareness of the dangers of concussions and laws regulating treatment, according to a study published in December. In states with concussion treatment laws, there was a 92% increase in children seeking concussion treatment. Even in states without laws, there was a 75% increase in treatment for children's concussions.

Other findings from the study include:

• Following the passage of the first concussion law in 2009, treatment rates in states without concussion laws rose by about 20% annually. In those with concussion laws, rates rose to 33%.
• In states without legislation, concussing treatment increased by 7% in 2009-2010, 20% in 2010-2011, and 34% in 2011-2012.
• There was an increase in regular doctor's office visits for concussions, but not in emergency room or inpatient treatment. This is an indication that the laws had the intended effect, according to the lead researcher.

Researchers expected rates to rise in states with concussion laws, but the increases in states without the laws was higher than anticipated. This shows that public education played a major role in the increase.

The study looked at records from January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2012. Between 2009 and 2013, every state in the U.S. and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to regulate concussion treatment.

References

Gibson, T. B., Herring, S. A., Kutcher, J. S., & Broglio, S. P. (2014). Analyzing the Effect of State Legislation on Health Care Utilization for Children With Concussion. JAMA Pediatrics.

Medical News Today. New Concussion Laws Result in Big Jump in Concussion Treatment. Published online, updated January 2, 2015. Accessed January 5, 2015.

Centers for Disease Control. Get a Heads Up on Concussion in Sports Policies. Published online, updated May 22, 2014. Accessed January 12, 2015.