Original ArticlesAnnual and Seasonal Trends in Ambulatory Visits for Pediatric Concussion in Ontario between 2003 and 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate annual and seasonal trends in physician office and emergency department (ED) visit rates for pediatric concussion in Ontario between 2003 and 2013.Study designA retrospective, population-based study was conducted using linked health administrative data from all concussion-related visits to ED and physician office by children aged 5 through 18 years. Time series analysis was used to assess whether periodic components exist in the monthly number of concussion-related visits.ResultsOver the 11-year study period, there were 176 685 pediatric visits for concussion in EDs and physician offices in Ontario. Standardized concussion-related visits showed a 4.4-fold (95% CI 4.37-4.45) increase per 100 000 from 2003 to 2013, with nearly 35 000 total visits in 2013. Concussion-related visits demonstrated a steep increase from 2010 onward. The greatest increases in standardized visits were in females (6.3-fold, 95% CI 6.23-6.46 vs 3.6-fold, 95% CI 3.56-3.64 in males) and 13-18.99 year olds (5.0-fold, 95% CI 4.93-5.08 vs 4.1-fold, 95% CI 3.99-4.27 in 9-12 years and 2.3-fold, 95% CI 2.23-2.42 in 5-8 years). A strong seasonal variability (R2autoreg = 0.87, P < .01) in the number of concussion-related visits was present, with most occurring in fall and winter.ConclusionsPediatric concussion-related ED and physician office visit rates have greatly increased in the last decade, particularly since 2010. Prevention strategies may be targeted at those most at risk and at seasonal-related activities carrying the greatest risk of concussion.