Concussion

A real brain injury

A concussion is a brain injury. A bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body makes the brain move quickly back and forth inside the skull.

What changes inside

That fast movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretch and damage brain cells. That's what causes the symptoms.

Myth or fact?

• A concussion always shows up on a regular brain scan. Myth. A concussion changes how the brain works, not how it looks, so regular scans usually look normal. Doctors check your symptoms and how your brain is working instead.
• Every concussion should be taken seriously, even a 'mild' one. Fact. Doctors sometimes call concussions mild brain injuries, but every one needs care and time to heal.

Four kinds of symptoms

Thinking: foggy, slow, trouble remembering. Body: headache, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, bothered by light or noise. Feelings: grumpy, sad, or more emotional. Sleep: sleeping a lot more or less than usual.

What teammates might notice

A player might look dazed or confused, have trouble remembering or focusing, react slower than usual, or act differently than usual.

Danger signs: call for emergency help

Get emergency help right away if someone has a headache that keeps getting worse, throws up again and again, has a seizure, or can't wake up or stay awake.

Also get help for slurred speech, weakness or numbness, double vision, one pupil bigger than the other, or acting very confused.

Myth or fact?

• A headache that keeps getting worse after a hit is a danger sign that needs emergency help. Fact. A worsening headache can mean something more serious. Get emergency help right away.

Contact and collision sports

Contact and collision sports like football, ice hockey, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, and cheer carry more risk. But a concussion can happen in any sport.

Past concussions and young brains

Having had a concussion before raises the chance of another one. Kids' and teens' brains are still developing, so they can take longer to recover than adults.

Myth or fact?

• In sports with the same rules for boys and girls, like soccer and basketball, girls have a higher chance of a concussion. Fact. Research shows girls have a higher chance of concussion than boys in the same sports. Everyone should know the signs.

Rules and technique

Play by the rules that protect the head, and use safe technique: head up, never lead with the top of your helmet, and use your shoulders to block and tackle.

Smarter practices

Many leagues limit full-contact practice time. In youth soccer, U.S. Soccer recommends no heading for players 10 and under, and only limited heading for ages 11 to 13.

A team that speaks up

One of the best protections is a team where players report symptoms and look out for each other. Telling a coach about a teammate isn't snitching. It's protecting them.

Myth or fact?

• Helmets prevent all concussions. Myth. Helmets help prevent more serious brain injuries and skull fractures, but no helmet can completely prevent a concussion.

The first couple of days

Take it easy for the first couple of days: less screen time, no sports, and plenty of sleep. After that, light activity that doesn't make symptoms worse, like walking, can actually help.

School comes first

Most students return to school before sports. Teachers can help with breaks, extra time, or a lighter workload while the brain heals.

Myth or fact?

• Most kids and teens feel better within about a month after a concussion. Fact. Most feel better within a few weeks to a month. Some take longer, and that's okay. A doctor guides each step.