The Facts About Concussion 

• A concussion is a brain injury.
• All concussions are serious.
• Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness.
• Concussions can occur in any sport.
• Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

Concussions are sometimes called mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can occur in any sport, including these:

The potential for concussions is greatest in athletic environments where collisions are common. Environmental factors also can cause injury. For example, a player may collide with an unpadded goalpost or trip on an uneven playing surface.

Sometimes people do not recognize that a bump, blow, or jolt to the head can cause a concussion. As a result, athletes may receive no medical care at the time of the injury, but they may later report symptoms such as headache and dizziness. These symptoms can be a sign of a concussion.

A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—reportedly can result in brain swelling, permanent brain damage, and even death. This condition is called second impact syndrome.