Definition

Concussion is a change in mental status caused by trauma (shock). It is accompanied by confusion, loss of memory, and, sometimes, loss of consciousness.

Description

A concussion occurs when the head hits or is hit by an object. A concussion can also occur when the brain is pushed against the skull with a strong force. In such cases, parts of the brain that control mental function may be damaged. The injured person may become disoriented (confused) and may briefly lose consciousness.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about three hundred thousand people experience mild to moderate concussions each year as a result of sports injuries. Most of these people are men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five.

A concussion usually gets better without any long-term effect. On rare occasions, it is followed by a more serious injury called second-impact syndrome...