Understanding Concussions: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This movement can disrupt normal brain function, even if there is no visible injury. Concussions are commonly associated with sports, falls, road accidents, and workplace injuries, but they can happen to anyone at any age.
What Causes a Concussion?
Concussions are most often caused by a direct blow to the head or a forceful impact to the body that transfers energy to the head. Contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing carry higher risks, but everyday situations like slipping on wet floors or minor vehicle collisions can also result in concussions. Importantly, a person does not need to lose consciousness to sustain a concussion; many cases occur without any blackout at all.
Common Signs and Symptoms