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Closed Head Injury - Concussion


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A concussion is the most common form of head injury. Most concussions are caused by a blow to the head or sudden, uncontrolled, rapid movement of the head. A concussion may cause temporary symptoms but not permanent brain damage.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

There are many possible causes for a concussion. Some common causes are bicycle accidents, automobile accidents, falls, and work-related injuries. Contact sports, especially football, are another common source of concussions. Some other sports that place a person at risk for concussions include:

  • boxing
  • basketball
  • baseball
  • ice hockey
  • skiing
  • skateboarding
  • wrestling
  • almost any other contact sport
  • Concussions are more common in an individual who has:

  • an altered mental state due to drugs or disease
  • difficulty walking because of arthritis, leg injury, or neuromuscular disease
  • weakness
  • loss of balance or poor coordination from aging or disease

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