Concussive Injury

This entry introduces concussive injuries or concussions, related pathophysiology, symptoms, recovery process, and potentially harmful effects. In general, a concussive injury or concussion can be defined as an injury to the brain caused by a significant mechanical force that shakes the brain inside the skull such as a fall or a blow to the head or another part of the body. These injuries are major health concerns that put children and adolescents at risk for long-term cognitive–communicative deficits that may influence their future academic, economic, and social activities.

Across the spectrum of traumatic injuries, a concussion is placed at the milder end of the spectrum. The term mild traumatic brain injury is commonly used interchangeably with concussive injury or concussion. Mild traumatic injuries account for at ...