What is: Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around, twist, or shake in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
You do not have to pass out or lose consciouness to have a concussion. Some people will have obvious outward symptoms of a concussion such as: Appearing dazed or stunned Confusion Forgetfulness Clumsy movement Slow speach Loss of consciousness Mood, behavior or personality changes Cannot recall events prior to hit or fall Cannot recall events immediately after hit or fall
Some people may feel: Headache or "pressure" in the head Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or balance issues Double or blurry vision Sensitivity to light or noise Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy Concentration or memory peoblems Confusion Just not feeling "right" or feeling "down"
Outward signs and symptoms often show up soon or immediately after injury but this is not always the case, some symptoms may not show up for hours or days.