What Is a Concussion?
Understanding the Basics of Brain Injury
When you hear the word “concussion,” you might picture a big hit in a football game or a fall on the slopes — but the truth is, concussions can happen to anyone, anywhere.
A concussion is more than “just getting your bell rung.” It’s a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that affects how the brain functions. Even though it’s called mild, the effects can be serious — especially if not recognized or treated properly.
At Save A Brain, we believe understanding the basics of brain injury is one of the most important steps toward prevention and recovery.
Let’s break it down.
What Actually Happens During a Concussion
Your brain is soft and protected by fluid inside your skull — kind of like a yolk inside an eggshell. When your head takes a hit, or even a sudden jolt (like whiplash), your brain can bounce, twist, or move inside your skull.
This movement causes chemical changes and stretching of brain cells, which disrupt how your brain communicates.
That’s why people experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or confusion — the brain is temporarily struggling to find its balance again.
Common Causes of Concussions
Concussions can happen in so many everyday situations, including:
Falls (the #1 cause, especially for kids and older adults)
Sports collisions or crashes
Car or bike accidents
Whiplash from sudden movement
Head strikes from objects or surfaces
And while helmets protect your skull from fractures, it’s important to remember: no helmet can prevent all concussions — because the injury happens inside the skull, from the brain moving, not the outer impact itself.
Recognizing the SIGNALS of a Concussion
At Save A Brain, we use a simple and memorable analogy: knowing the SIGNALS of a concussion could save your life or a friend’s life.
Each letter represents a key warning sign to look for after a fall, crash, or head impact 👇
S – Sleep Disruption
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping more than usual.
I – Irritability & Mood Changes
Increased emotional sensitivity, mood swings, or frustration.
G – Gut Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort.
N – Neuro Fog & Dizziness
Foggy thinking, disorientation, or balance issues.
A – Attention & Memory Problems
Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, or confusion.
L – Light Sensitivity & Headaches
Discomfort with lights, loud sounds, or persistent headaches.
S – Serious Signs
Vision changes, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness (rare, but important to note).
If you or someone you know experiences any of these SIGNALS, stop activity immediately and seek medical evaluation.
When in doubt, sit it out — your brain will thank you later.
Why Rest and Recovery Matter
After a concussion, your brain needs time to reset and rebalance. Activities that require focus — like screens, bright lights, or high energy environments — can slow down healing.
Think of it like this: your brain just ran a marathon it didn’t train for. It needs rest, hydration, nutrition, and sleep to rebuild its energy stores.
Most people recover within a few weeks, but some experience post-concussion symptoms that last longer. In those cases, working with a specialized brain injury clinic can make a huge difference.
The Long-Term View: Why Awareness Matters
Concussions are often called invisible injuries because you can’t see them — but that doesn’t make them any less real.
Ignoring symptoms or returning to activity too soon can lead to longer recovery or even life-threatening complications like second-impact syndrome, which happens when another concussion occurs before the first one heals.
That’s why awareness and education are everything.
When we learn to recognize the SIGNALS, wear proper protective gear, and encourage open conversations about brain health, we create a safer environment for everyone — from kids to pros.
Final Thoughts
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, but it deserves major attention.
The more we understand how the brain works — and what it’s trying to tell us — the better we can protect it.
At Save A Brain, our mission is to empower people with knowledge, encourage prevention, and make brain health a conversation for everyone.
Because we all have one brain — and it’s worth protecting.
