Concussion, also known as minor head trauma or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. It is a risk of contact sports where players may collide with each other and objects on the field, and sustain blows to the head or body. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. In 2010 2.5 million TBIs occurred either as an isolated injury or along with other injuries.

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.

CDC’s research and programs work to prevent TBI and help people better recognize, respond, and recover if a TBI occurs.

Recognizing the and Danger Signs When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Headache that gets worse and does not go away
• Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Look very drowsy or cannot wake up
• Have one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other
• Have convulsions or seizures
• Cannot recognize people or places
• Getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated
• Have unusual behavior
• Loss of consciousness
  
• Will not stop crying and are inconsolable
  
  Do not delay in visiting an emergency room to be checked out if any of these signs are present.

  
  
  
  For more information, visit the following sites:
  
  https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html

  http://www.ayso.org/For_Volunteers/region_boards/safety_director/safety_director_res/safety/parent_concussion_faq.htm
  
  http://www.headsupparents.org/