Concussion Facts
- A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. A concussion can also be caused by violent movement or jarring of the head or neck.
- People who suffer from concussions generally fully recover quickly. However, in some cases, symptoms can last for days or weeks.
- Those who have already had one concussion seem more susceptible to having another.
- The most common causes of concussions are sports injuries (football, hockey, rugby, basketball, etc.), bicycle accidents, car accidents, and falls.
- For about 9 in 10 people with concussions, symptoms disappear within 7 to 10 days.
- At least 25% of concussion sufferers fail to get assessed by medical personnel.
- Most cases of traumatic brain injury are concussions.
- In the US, athletes suffer from roughly 300,000 concussions every year.
- Immediate consequences include headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, fatigue, or unconsciousness.
- In certain severe concussions, symptoms can linger for weeks, months, or even years, due to a complication called post-concussion syndrome.
- Loss of consciousness is thought to occur in less than 10% of concussions.
