Brain Science
This organ is injured during a concussion.
What is the brain?
There are currently no established imaging or blood test for concussions. Doctors must diagnose based on symptons and medical history
FACT
Headache, dizziness, and nausea are common examples of these.
What are concussion symptoms?
This sport consistently ranks among the highest for concussion rates at the high school level.
What is football? TWEAK
This NFL Hall of Fame running back, later known for his 1995 criminal trial, played in an era before modern concussion protocols.
Who is O. J. Simpson?
This part of the brain helps control balance and coordination and is often affected in concussions.
What is the cerebellum?
FACT
This symptom involves difficulty remembering events before or after the injury.
What is amnesia?
This age group has the highest reported rates of sports-related concussions.
Who are adolescents?
This Oscar-winning actress suffered a concussion while filming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay after hitting her head during a stunt.
Who is Jennifer Lawrence?
A concussion is classified as this type of brain injury.
What is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)?
Concussion patients should be awakened every few hours after injury.
MYTH
Persistent symptoms lasting weeks or months after injury are known as this.
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Research suggests that symptoms typically resolve within this time frame for most adults with a concussion.
What is about happens in 7–14 days?
This former U.S. Secretary of State was hospitalized with a concussion in 2012 after fainting and hitting her head. She later ran for presidency in 2016 election.
Who is Hillary Clinton?
This term describes the brain hitting one side of the skull and then rebounding to hit the other side.
What is a coup-contrecoup injury?
Concussions only happens with a blow to the head.
MYTH
Returning to activity too soon after a concussion can cause this rare but potentially fatal brain swelling condition.
What is second impact syndrome?
This percentage of concussions occur without a loss of consciousness.
What is approximately 80–90%?
This Miami Dolphins quarterback was officially diagnosed with multiple concussions during the 2022 NFL season, prompting national debate about player safety.
Who is Tua Tagovailoa?
This chemical imbalance involving neurotransmitters contributes to concussion symptoms after impact. Specifically, it is a complex series of cellular events following traumatic brain injury, defined by an "energy crisis" caused by massive ionic shifts, neurotransmitter release, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
What is a neurometabolic cascade?
Right after a concussion, it is safe and encouraged to engage in activities involving mental exertion, such as problem solving. This helps stregthen the brain.
MYTH
Sensitivity to light after a concussion is known by this medical term.
What is photophobia?
Studies show that athletes who have had one concussion are this many times more likely to sustain another compared to someone with no prior history.
Who are about 2–4 times more likely to get a concussion?
This internationally known actress died in 2009 after a head injury while skiing; doctors later confirmed she initially suffered a concussion that developed into a fatal brain bleed.
Who is Natasha Richardson?