Frequently Asked Questions
No. In fact May concussions occur from jolts to the body (eg being hit in the chest/tackled), slips or falls, and motor vehicle accidents. A concussion is a disturbance in the brain caused by the sudden motion, or”jiggling” of the brain. This creates chemical imbalances that result in reduced energy and function.
No. Up to 90% of concussion injuries do not involve a loss of conciousness. Many experts have moved away from the old grading system, in which concussion was graded by loss of conciousness, as we have discovered that there is very poor correlation to “passing out” and the recovery time. Instead, newer models focus on the type of disturbance that results, ie physical, cognitive, emotional, or sleep, to assist in guiding rehabilitation efforts.
The short answer for this is, no. Even mild symptoms can become persistent if not handled well. The minimum time away from sport should be one week, more (at least two weeks) for youth and children. Returning to sport too soon can lead to much worse symptoms, and prolonged recovery. In some cases, Second Impact Syndrome can occur with a subsequent acute concussion overlapping a recovering brain. In rare but significant cases, death can occur due to a rapid, massive inflammation in the brain. Any diagnosed concussion should be assessed by a health care provider who has training and experience in concussion management.