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A concussion is a blow or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Also called a mild traumatic brain injury, a concussion can result from a car crash, a sports injury, or from a seemingly innocuous fall. Concussion recovery times can vary greatly. Most people who sustain a concussion or mild TBI are back to normal by three months or sooner. But others have long-term problems remembering things and concentration. Accidents can be so minor that neither doctor nor patient makes the connection.
Physiologic Post Concussion Disorder
"Only you can decide how important football is in your life," the doctor told the young player after he sustained a concussion with lingering symptoms.
Dr. Julian Bailes: Being Strict with Return-to-Play Guidelines
An athlete should never be returned to play after a concussion until all symptoms have been resolved and he or she has been cleared by a licensed provider.
Dr. Julian Bailes: High Index of Concussion Suspicion Needed on the Sidelines
Concussions can be subtle and often invisible. That's why coaches, parents, and teammates need to have a high index of suspicion.
Dr. Julian Bailes: Should We Be Worried About Subconcussive Blows in Sports?
More research is needed to determine if subconcussive blows — repetitive hits to the head not diagnosed or suspected as concussions — are deleterious.
Dr. Jamshid Ghajar: Multiple Definitions of Concussion
Concussions have been around since the beginning of time, but our knowledge and treatment of them are and need to be vastly different. It all starts with the need for one, sound definition.
Dr. Jamshid Ghajar: Complex Project to Define Concussion
The medical definition of "concussion" needs be quantitative and non-static. It also needs to have clinical utlility.
What Exactly Does the "Mild" in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Mean?
We still have a lot to learn about the brain and what happens at a cellular level after a concussion. But for now, the good news is that most people diagnosed with a “mild” TBI recover quickly and fully.
Concussions in Boxing and Other Contact Sports
Researchers have long been making recommendations for making sports like boxing, football, and hockey safer.
Tracy's Story: The End of an Athlete's Career
"If you think you have a concussion, don't hide it, report it ... I didn't know it could get this bad."
Testing the Test; Impact Reliability Study
Is baseline testing enough to get a full picture of a concussed athlete's injury?
Top Four Concussion Screener Apps for Athletes
iPhone & Android apps that check for brain injury in athletes.
Researchers' Helmet Ratings Impact Buying Decisions
Helmets do not prevent concussions. Recent research explains why.
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior
There’s combat. Then, there’s the life afterward. This book is about surviving the war back home, written by a Colonel who understands.
REAP the Benefits of Good Concussion Management
A guide for every family, school, and medical professional to create a community-based concussion management program.
Dr. Aditya Bhagwat: Impact of TBI in the Military
Learn about concussions sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan and how the military is dealing with the large numbers.
Traumatic Brain Injury: What Military Families Need to Know
Healing takes patience and time. Support from family members and taking care of oneself can go a long way in assisting in recovery.
A Flashlight Out of the Dark
Army vet Timm Lovitt finds that reaching out to help other vets is his own best medicine.
Cumulative Concussions
Cumulative concussions — or repeat blows to the head — can have serious, long-term consequences. Learn more.
University Athletes Need More Information About Brain Injury
College athletes need to know more about concussions and mild TBIs.
Why Do Some People Recover Faster or Better than Others from a Similar Concussion?
Learn more about the relationship between symptom reporting and ultimate recovery.
Concussions and Contact Sports
People need to know that a concussion can be a serious event, repetitive concussions even more so. Proper recovery is essential to outcome.
How Common Are Concussions in Contact Sports?
During any given season in football or ice hockey, for example, a player has a 5-10% chance of sustaining a concussion.
"Mild TBI" Versus "Concussion": Reactions Based on Terminology
No need to add more stress and anxiety by using the term "mild brain injury" instead of "concussion."
Return to Play Guidelines
An athlete should not return to play until all of his symptoms — physical and cognitive — have cleared up.
How Are Blast-Induced Concussions Graded?
To date, there is no distinctive rating system for blast-induced concussions.
How Does the Military Define and Identify a Concussion?
The definition is the same as in the civilian world, but different precautions are taken before a soldier is released back to combat.
Culture Change: How Brain Injuries Are Handled in the Military
From the top medical and non-medical command down, brain injuries must be taken seriously in the military.
The Military's Preventative Steps Regarding Brain Injury
Screening all service members who've had a risk of a concussion is a big step forward.
New Military Protocol for Three or More Concussions
Soldiers who have sustained three concussions will receive a more detailed, mandatory evaluation before returning to combat.
PTSD and MTBI: Teasing Out the Differences for Treatment
Symptoms of PTSD and post-concussive syndrome can overlap significantly. Should they be treated the same way?
Single Versus Cumulative Concussion
For most people after a single concussion, a 7-10 day course of rest and recovery clears up most problems. Recurring TBIs are a different story.
Importance of Concussion Education
Educate everyone involved about concussion — from the player and his parents to the coach and the teammates.
Military Traumatic Brain Injury: An Examination of Important Differences
Evidence for primary blast effects upon the central nervous system is limited and controversial. Learn more.
NFL Players Association: Report Concussion Symptoms
Retired NFL player Jason Belser talks about how the National Football League Players Association is working to protect athletes of all ages. "When you have symptoms, tell someone!"
What Does Post-Concussive Syndrome Look Like in Children?
Learn what to look for in babies, young children, and adolescents.
Opinion: Surgeon Tackles Brain Injury in Youth Sports
Would you let your young kids play contact sports? Read what one father/pediatric neurosurgeon has to say about sports concussions.
Identifying a Concussion and Its Long-and Short-Term Effects
When can a young athlete return to play after a concussion?
What We Know and Don't Know About Multiple Concussions
When has a person had too many concussions?
Blast Injuries Versus Sports Injuries
What are the similarities and differences between sports injuries and blast injuries?
The Emotional Consequences of Concussion
Lots of rest, sleep, and reduced stress are crucial for a child recovering from a mild TBI.
Reentry to School After a Concussion or Closed Brain Injury
Students returning to school after a TBI need formal and consistent tracking.
Jason Belser Discusses Concussion and the NFL
Former NFL player Jason Belser talks about the highs and lows of his 11 seasons in pro football.
Why is Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Hard to Diagnose?
Making a connection between social and academic challenges and a past TBI can be crucial for a child's success.
Does the Label “Concussion” Change Treatment?
Kids who are diagnosed with a “concussion” might not be getting the care they need.
How Can Parents Help Educate Their Children’s Coaches About Concussion?
Don’t worry about seeming like an overprotective mom or dad … share your knowledge and keep your child safe on and off the field.
What Are the Symptoms of Concussion, Especially in Children?
Learn the common and not so common symptoms of concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms of Concussion
What are the symptoms of concussion? Find out what the common symptoms of concussion are, when to go to the hospital, and tips for healing.
¿Cuáles son los diferentes tipos de traumatismo cerebral?
Este artículo explica los diferentes tipos de traumatismo cerebral como concusión, fractura de cráneo, síndrome de bebé sacudido y hematoma.
Concussion: Understanding Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
BrainLine original webcast on concussion and mild traumatic brain injury featuring a panel of experts including Dr. James Kelly, Dr. Aditya Bhagwat, and Lesley LaMasurier.
The Complexity of Repeat Traumatic Brain Injuries
What role do pre-existing conditions play?
When Can We Stop Worrying After a Hit on the Head?
If symptoms persist, get re-evaluated.
Heads Up to Schools: Know Your ABCs — for Teachers, Counselors, and School Professionals
Learn your Concussion ABCs.
Heads Up to Schools: Know Your ABCs — for School Nurses
For school nurses, know your Concussion ABCs.
Help for Undiagnosed Brain Injury
A childhood fall can cause problems later.
When Is a Mild TBI "Mild"?
Even a seemingly innocuous hit on the head may have serious — or deadly — consequences. Don't scoff off help.
When Is It Safe to Return to Play After a Concussion?
An important new law evens the playing field.
Facts About Concussion and Brain Injury
Every brain injury is different. Know the facts and how to get help.
Driving After a Sports Concussion
When is it okay to get behind the wheel again?
The Intake Nurse Mentioned That I Must Have a Concussion — I Thought "So What?" Little Did I Know!
One woman's experience.
BrainLine Interviews Army Specialist Robert Andrzejczak
Even after losing a leg and sustaining a mild TBI, this veteran is moving with a new confidence.
Balance Issues Post-Concussion
Balance problems may be linked to headaches after a TBI.
Predicting Recovery after Mild TBI
Which medical assessments may be related to later outcomes?
Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms After TBI
Most people recover quickly but some symptoms should be monitored.
Coping with Mild TBI: Finances
Learn how best to tackle financial problems that can arise after a TBI.
Unseen Wounds
NewHour host Jim Lehrer tackles the question: What happens to service members after they survive a traumatic brain injury?
NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine Shares His Story
Hear hockey great Pat LaFontaine recount his story and the steps he took during his recovery after several brain injuries.
Recovering from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
What happens when you have no filter for sounds, smells, images, and feelings after brain injury?
TBI Screening Tool
This tool can provide you with questions to ask when screening for a TBI, but remember that the interview should flow like a natural dialogue between you and the patient.
Animated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of mild TBI, the causes, and treatments.
Animated Relevant Anatomy of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Learn more about what happens to the brain in a car crash.
Animated Deceleration Injury from a Traumatic Brain Injury
Learn more about what happens to the brain in a car crash.
Side-View Animation of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a Car Crash
Learn more about what happens to the brain in a car crash.
Bird's-Eye View Animation of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a Car Crash
Learn more about what happens to the brain in a car crash.
CDC Cup of Health Understanding Sports TBI
Listen here to learn more about sports and brain injury.
Heads Up Concussion Information for Physicians
This audio information from the Centers for Disease Control can help physicians work with their patients with concussion.
Exploring Your Brain with Garrick Utley
Learn more about the miraculous and sometimes heartbreaking organ called the brain in this segment from WETA's "Exploring Your Brain with Garrick Utley" series.
Dr. James Kelly Talks About Second Impact Syndrome
BrainLine talks with Dr. Kelly about the risks of multiple concussions and how it affects the brain.
Dr. James Kelly Talks About Concussion Screening Standards
BrainLine talks with Dr. Kelly about the current standards when screening for TBI and what how future testing might improve.
Dr. James Kelly Talks About Children, Helmets, and Concussion
BrainLine sat down with Dr. Kelly to talk about how TBI affects children differently from adults, the use and design of helmets, and how parents can best deal with concussion in their child.
Dr. James Kelly Talks About Areas of the Brain Affected by Concussion
BrainLine sat down with Dr. Kelly to talk about how different areas of the brain can be affected by concussion, or mild TBI.
Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) Test
This screening tool can be used for the initial evaluation and diagnosis of people who have or may have had a concussion.
Understanding the Effects of Concussion, Blast, and Brain Injuries: A Guide for Families, Veterans, and Caregivers
A guide for all who are involved in the care and treatment of wounded veterans.
Understanding Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Learn why mild TBI is often no where near "mild."
What Impact Will Mild TBI Have on a Person's Life?
Follow-up medical attention is crucial as symptoms can often go undetected.
BrainLine Webcast — Concussion: Understanding Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
This roundtable discussion covers topics from why mild TBIs are not "mild" to the dangers of second impact syndrome.
Concussion and Sports: Know Your Game!
Concussions are like snowflakes — not one is exactly like another.
Acute Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Operational Settings
Find out about clinical practice guidelines and recommendations.
Concussions
Is the risk of sustaining a TBI greater for kids?
Repetitive Head Injury Syndrome
One brain injury can be catastrophic, but multiple injuries can be life-changing, even fatal.
Brain Injuries: Silent Epidemic
Learn how Ted Stachulski is helping thousands of fellow veterans with TBI.
Disentangling Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Reactions
Are symptoms of mild TBI being mixed up with those of PTDS?
Rand Report 2008
Read the groundbreaking 2008 report on TBI, PTSD, and depression in the military.
Atención: Prevencion de concusiones
Una concusión es una lesión del cerebro que surge a consecuencia de un golpe o una sacudida a la cabeza. Las lesiones cerebrales pueden ser desde ligeras hasta serias y pueden perturbar el funcionamiento normal del cerebro.
Head to Head with Christopher Nowinski
Retired football player and pro-wrestler tackles worldwide — and personal — concussion crisis.
TBI: Fitting the Pieces Together
Researchers, doctors, and policymakers are working to create effective standards of care for TBI.
Concussion Recovery: Parents Play Important Role
Key steps for families to take.
Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths
Looking for numbers and hard facts? Here are US statistics on TBI.
Brain Trauma, Concussion, and Coma
Learn about the anatomy of different brain traumas.
Concussion and Sports
Learn how to enjoy sports safely and prevent injury during every season.
Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports
This toolkit teaches coaches, athletes, and parents how to play it safe.
Head Games
America's favorite sport — football — has a serious problem.
Explosions and Blast Injuries: A Primer for Clinicians
Explosions can produce unique patterns of brain and other injuries seldom seen outside combat. Learn more.
Outcomes
General information on outcome and tips for recovery for those with TBI.
TBI Research Review: Unidentified Brain Injury
Sometimes people don't realize that problems like poor memory or behavioral changesa are a result of a "hidden" TBI.
Atención: Concusión cerebral en los deportes de colegio (para los padres)
¿Qué es una concusión cerebral? Una concusión cerebral es una lesión del cerebro que surge a consecuencia de un golpe o una sacudida a la cabeza.
Atención: Concusión cerebral en los deportes de colegio (para el atleta)
La conmoción cerebral puede ocurrir sin que la persona pierda el conocimiento. Esta hoja informativa ofrece información a los atletas sobre prevención, reconocimiento y reacción frente a una conmoción.
Traumatic Brain Injury Signs and Symptoms
Learn the signs and symptoms of brain injury; knowledge is power, after all.
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BrainLine.org is a WETA website funded by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center through a contract with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. Government funding support is not an endorsement of WETA or any of its products, including this website.
