Mild Traumatic Brain Injury or Concussion

Medical providers may describe a concussion as a mild brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious.

A Concussion is a Brain Injury Too

If you or your child have had a recent concussion, view BIAV's tip sheets on how to take care of yourself.

A concussion is a brain injury. It is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body or fall that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Often concussions are described as being mild but their effects can be serious. You can lose consciousness or be knocked out as a result of a concussion but this is not true in most cases.

What should you do if you have had a concussion? Take care of yourself after the injury and get evaluated by a medical professional. Go to the emergency room or make an appointment with your primary care doctor.

How to Get Better

If you have a concussion it is important for you to take steps to help your brain heal. Rest is important and ignoring or pushing through your symptoms can make them worse. Avoid activities that are physically or cognitively demanding.

Children and adolescents are among those at the greatest risk for concussion. All concussions are serious. Concussions can occur at any time a student or athlete participates in an activity where a collision may occur.

This could be: