Concussions have proved to be one of the most common yet serious injuries in high school and college athletes. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that occurs from a severe hit in the head or body and causes your brain to shake inside of your head. After being hit, you may black out, get an instant sever headache or feel nauseous and dizzy for a period of time. There is no treatment for a concussion other than rest. Due to this, concussions can effect you in all aspects of life, not only in sports.

The CDC estimates that on average 2 million concussions occur each year. It is also estimated that five to ten percent of athletes will suffer a concussion each season. Of these athletes only about 47% report having symptoms immediately following the blow to the head, meaning they most likely continued to engage in physical activity with a concussion. If you continue to participate in physical activity with a concussion your chances of permanent brain injury increase. Consecutive injuries can result in permanent brain damage and memory loss. It has also been proven that if you have a bad enough concussion and neglect proper care, the result may be death. This is why there is strict protocol in place that coaches and referees must follow if an athlete is hit in the head during gameplay.

Having a concussion can also negatively impact you in school. In order to rest your brain after a concussion, you may need to take time off from school work. Your brain is working when you are thinking. Therefore, you need to give your brain a rest from thinking as well in order to heel. If you have to take time off from doing school work, you are bound to fall behind and catching up can be hard. If you are not required to completely take time off from school, it can be difficult to focus and produce quality work. Bridget Curran, who has suffered many concussions, says ” with my concussions it was harder to focus which really showed in my work because when I could not focus my work effort would decline.” Many students who have had a concussion can attest to this. Concussions are not injuries to be taken lightly, the complex brain can’t heal as simply as a bone. For this reason, I urge you to remain safe, and protect your rapidly growing cranium.