Concussion Basics: Intro

fig. 1

What is a concussion?

• A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth

• This rapid movement causes brain tissue to change shape, which can stretch and damage brain cells

• Watch a CDC video that explains concussions by clicking on fig. 1

Causes:

• Impact to the skull: hitting your head.

• Violent shaking motion: whiplash.

• A hard fall without contact to your head: the force of impact is provided by your brain colliding with your skull

Effects

This damage also causes chemical and metabolic changes within the brain cells, making it more difficult for cells to function and communicate. Since the brain is the body’s control center, the effects of a concussion can be far-reaching