Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a hit to the head or a forceful motion such as a fall or whiplash that causes the brain to bounce rapidly within the skull. The bouncing can cause stretching and damage to the brain cells, disruption of chemical transmission, and impairment of brain function. The name “concussion” is derived from the Latin word “concutere” which means “to shake violently.” Even in the absence of a direct blow, rapid jerky back and forth movement of the head, sometimes referred to as acceleration-deceleration, can lead to a concussion. The consequences of a concussion extend across clinical, educational, and public health domains. This viewpoint article is intended for both healthcare professionals and the general population with the objective of fostering informed decision-making and collaborative care.