What Happens When You Have a Concussion?

1. About how many people receive a concussion in the U.S. each year?
Between 2.5 and 4 million concussions.
2. How does the brain respond when it is hit?
The brain bounces against the inside of the hard skull.
3. What does a neuron do?
Relay signals through their axons to communicate throughout the brain and control the body.
4. How does the degeneration of neurons impact the brain and body?
They release toxins that kill other neurons.
5. What are some of the effects of a concussion?
Blackout, headache, blurry vision, balance problems, altered mood and behavior,
problems with memory, problems with thinking, sleeping problems, and onset of anxiety
and depression.
6. What is required in order for the brain to heal itself after a concussion?
Lots of rest and gradual return to activity.
7. Is it okay to sleep shortly after receiving a concussion? Why or why not?
Yes, because as long as there is no greater injury to the brain nothing will happen.
8. What is post-concussion syndrome (PCS)?
Can cause constant headaches, learning difficulties, and behavioral symptoms.
9. What is a subconcussive impact?
Result from lower-impact jolts to the head than those that cause concussions.
10. Why are subconcussive impacts dangerous
They don’t cause noticeable symptoms right away

11. What disease can subconcussive hits lead to?

Serious brain degenerative diseases

12. What are two sports that have been shown to cause repeated subconcussive impacts?
Soccer and football