What is Concussion?

Concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from forceful motion or impact to the head, neck, face or body. Often distinguished by confusion, disorientation or loss of memory, long term effects of concussion may result in Post Concussion Syndrome.

Concussion has other names...Concussion is also called: mTBI, minor TBI, minor head trauma, minor head injury, and/or minor brain injury

Some causes of concussion include falls, car accidents, being struck with or against an object, sports injuries, assault and/or blast impact.

Although often referred to as mild traumatic brain injury, concussion is a serious and often life-changing condition with temporary or possibly lasting impairment of brain function & behavior.

Would you be able to recognize a concussion?
View common symptoms here

Facts about Concussion

Concussion is the most common form of traumatic brain injury; Concussion is also called mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury).

• 15% of people with concussions face symptoms which can last for 1 year or more. This prolonged condition is called post concussion syndrome.

 

• “Concussion” comes from the Latin word ‘concutere’ meaning “ to shake violently.”

 

• Symptoms of concussion and post concussion syndrome can often interfere with many aspects of life: school, work, socialization and personal development.

 

• It is common for concussions to be missed at the time of initial injury (yes, even by doctors); it can take weeks or sometimes upwards of 1-2 months for  concussion symptoms to appear.

 

• The Center for Disease Control states that there are currently more than 5.3 million people living with traumatic brain injuries in the US.
  

 

• A concussion happens every 15 seconds in the United States; On the global scale, some estimates claim that a concussion occurs every 6 seconds.
  

Falls are the most common cause of TBI, followed by motor vehicle accidents and other forms of injury.

The duration of symptoms of concussion can vary greatly from person to person. Some survivors require a few weeks to recover whereas others may take months or possibly years.

Looking for more information?

For Survivors

Symptoms of Concussion

For Family & Caregivers

Brain Map

Recovery Factors

Common Myths & Misconceptions

Are you a family member of a concussion survivor?
Learn more about how you can help support your loved one by visiting For Family and Caregivers.