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A Fact Sheet for Teachers, Counselors,

and School Professionals

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the

way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused
by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can
also occur from a fall or blow to the body that causes
The FacTs: the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can

* All concussions are be serious.
serious.

* Most concussions occur Children and adolescents are among those at greatest
without loss of risk for concussion. The potential for a concussion is
consciousness.
greatest during activities where collisions can
* Recognition and proper
response to concussions occur, such as during physical education (PE) class,
when they first occur playground time, or school-based sports activities.
can help aid recovery
and prevent further However, concussions can happen any time a student’s
injury, or even death. head comes into contact with a hard object, such as a
floor, desk, or another student’s head or body. Proper

recognition and response to concussion can prevent
To download this fact sheet in Spanish, please visit: www.cdc.gov/Concussion.
Para obtener una copia electrónica de esta hoja de información en español, por further injury and help with recovery.
favor visite: www.cdc.gov/Concussion.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
May 2010