What if I Have a Head Injury? Sports and Concussions

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head or by any trauma to the body that causes violent head movements.

Following a concussive episode, there may be no overt signs that there has been structural brain damage as a result of the injury.


Athletes most at risk of concussion:


Contact sports, combat sports, or those with the potential for incidents involving high impact are more commonly associated with a higher incidence of concussion.


Examples of temporary signs and symptoms of concussion:
Headache:

Loss of consciousness (not in all cases)
Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue/drowsiness
Blurred or double vision
Memory disturbances
Neck pain