What's a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that leads to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and confusion. Concussions happen when someone has a blow to the head, or the head is shaken back and forth with great force.

It’s important to try to prevent concussions because they can cause long-lasting, serious effects on the brain.

What Can Help Prevent Concussions?

Not all concussions can be prevented, but you can take steps to make another one less likely.

• Talk to your coaches to make sure that they follow the rules to reduce the risk of concussions, such as limits on tackling (football) or heading the ball (soccer). If you're a cheerleader, always have spotters for stunts. And make sure that the coach will take you out of play for any head injury.
• Never hide a head injury. Stop the sport or activity that caused the head injury and go to a parent, coach, or teacher right away.
• Wear a helmet for skiing, snowboarding, biking, riding a scooter, skateboarding, or rollerblading. A concussion can still happen while wearing a helmet, but the helmet can protect you from a skull fracture and serious brain injury.
• Use your seatbelt every time you are in a car.