The aim of our study is to assess the rate of concussion occurring while engaging in nontraditional sports such as Quidditch, and the effects that injury during a novelty sport may have on concussion detection when compared to more traditional sports. 

Concussions, once dismissed as nonconsequential, are rapidly attracting notice for acute and long-term health effects. Rates of recovery with repeated trauma is known to decrease with each occurrence. In novelty sports, regulation of concussions and proper return-to-play(RTP) protocol are not routinely enforced, resulting in repetitive injury to the detriment of players.

IRB approval was obtained prior to survey distribution to all players associated with Major League Quidditch(MLQ). Responses were recorded and analyzed.

157 responses were received. 63% were male and 37% female with mean age 22.9.

146(93%) respondents confirmed or denied quidditch-related head injury. 22(15%) denied head injury and 124(85%) indicated hitting their heads while participating in the sport. 19% of respondents indicated >10 head injuries. 

67(54%) reported suspected concussion with an additional 41(33%) reporting formal diagnosis with at least one concussion. 

EMS reported 18 injuries at MLQ matches. 5(27.8%) were preliminarily diagnosed with concussion. 3 had no further treatment, 1 RTP and 1 received basic care. 0 recieved formal neurologic evaluation. 

Players were also asked about head injuries sustained in non-quidditch activities for comparison. 43(27%) reported having medically diagnosed concussions outside of quidditch. 53(34%) reported at least one suspected concussion without formal diagnosis. 24(15%) answered maybe. 

Our data supports that concussion is a significant burden in novelty sports such as quidditch. It is vital to recognize that with the rise of nontraditional sports, the prevalence of concussions in younger nontraditional athletes may be underreported and that concussion specialists must be cognizant of both traditional and novelty sports when evaluating long term effects of head trauma.