A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Health care professionals may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious.

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Health Topics
Concussions
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2. Overview
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or
TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head
that can change the way your brain normally
works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a
blow to the body that causes the head and brain to
move quickly back and forth.
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3. Overview
Health care professionals may describe a
concussion as a “mild” brain injury because
concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even
so, their effects can be serious.
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4. Symptoms
**What are the Signs and Symptoms of
Concussion?**
Most people with a concussion recover quickly and
fully. But for some people, symptoms can last for
days, weeks, or longer. In general, recovery may be
slower among older adults, young children, and
teens. Those who have had a concussion in the
past are also at risk of having another one and may
find that it takes longer to recover if they have
another concussion.
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5. Treatment
**What Should I do If a Concussion Occurs?**
People with a concussion need to be seen by a
health care professional. If you think you or
someone you know has a concussion, contact your
health care professional. Your health care
professional can refer you to a neurologist,
neuropsychologist, neurosurgeon, or specialist in
rehabilitation (such as a speech pathologist).
Getting help soon after the injury by trained
specialists may speed recovery.
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6. Risks
**Concussion in Sports and Recreation:**
If a concussion occurs during sports- and
recreation-related activities, implement the 4-step
action plan.
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7. Risks
**Concussion in Sports and Recreation:**
Athletes with a concussion should never return to
sports or recreation activities the day of the injury
and until a health care professional, experienced in
evaluating for concussion, says they are symptom-
free and it’s OK to return to play.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/
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8. Prevention
**What Can I Do to Prevent Concussions?**
As a coach or parent, you play a key role in
preventing concussions and responding properly
when they occur. Here are some steps you can take
to help prevent concussions and ensure the best
outcome for your athletes, the team, league or
school.
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9. Living and coping
**What Can I Do to Help Feel Better After a
Concussion?**
Although most people recover fully after a
concussion, how quickly they improve depends on
many factors. These factors include how severe
their concussion was, their age, how healthy they
were before the concussion, and how they take
care of themselves after the injury.
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10. Living and coping
**What Can I Do to Help Feel Better After a
Concussion?**
Some people who have had a concussion find that
at first it is hard to do their daily activities, their
job, to get along with everyone at home, or to
relax.
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