A concussion is a small form of traumatic brain injury that affects how your brain works. These effects can be short which can last only a few hours or a couple of days, or cause long-lasting problems.

It is very important to let your brain heal after a concussion. Even though only about 20% of people may have long-term effects where they continue to experience symptoms after six weeks. However, the more concussions you get, the more likely you are to suffer long-term consequences, especially if you don’t give your brain enough time to heal between injuries, which is why you should take it easy if you get a concussion.

Concussions are a Lot More Common Than You Think

Concussions are becoming a lot more common in children the number of doctor visits related to concussions and TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injury) rose 57% in children from 2001-2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 40% of these were from young kids falling. Also while concussions can happen during any sport, the most common sports for a concussion to occur are football, wrestling, ice hockey, basketball, field hockey, and lacrosse.

Long-term symptoms of concussions

• Trouble concentrating

• Memory problems

• Irritability and other personality changes

• Sensitivity to light and noise

• Sleep disturbances

• Depression and other psychological problems

• Disorders of smell and taste

• Feeling like you’re “not yourself”

To reduce the risk of short-term problems associated with concussions from turning into long-term problems, see a doctor within one or two days of a head injury, even if you or your family does not require emergency treatment. While doctors usually describe concussions as a mild form of TBI, even the smallest concussions can cause serious effects.

All of these symptoms can make day to day life more difficult, they can happen in personal relationships and at work or school. Luckily over time, and especially with care and treatment, these effects will get better.