Concussions

A concussion is an injury to the brain that commonly occurs in sports. There are an estimated three to four million sport-related concussions that occur in athletes each year. Concussions can occur from a direct blow to the head or a blow to somewhere else on the body that produces a jerking motion of the head. Most concussions do not result in being knocked out or losing consciousness.


Common symptoms of a concussion include headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds, difficulty with concentration or memory, feeling sick to your stomach and emesis (throwing up). Athletes may experience one or more symptoms. If an athlete experiences any of these symptoms after a head injury, it should be assumed that the athlete has had a concussion.

An athlete who sustains a concussion should not be allowed to return to play or resume activity on the day of their concussion. An athlete should not return to sports until evaluated by a medical professional who is experienced in concussion management, and determines the athlete to be free of symptoms both at rest and with activity. An athlete who is still having symptoms has not cleared their concussion.

To learn about the treatment of concussions, click here for additional information.