A concussion is a mild brain injury that temporarily affects the way the brain works and can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and confusion.
A concussion happens when the brain is injured. This can happen when the head is hit — for example, from a fall. But concussions also can happen without a blow to the head — for example, in a car accident when the head snaps forcefully forward and back. The strong movement causes chemical and blood flow changes in the brain. These changes lead to concussion symptoms.
You can't see a concussion on an x-ray or scan. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your student reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention and let your school's health team know.
