A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way the brain works. The effects are usually temporary, but can include problems with headaches, concentration, memory, judgment, balance and coordination. (Mayo clinic staff.). A concussion occurs with a jolt or blow to the head, the brain is bounced and can come into contact with the hard part of the skull. Essentially causing a bruise to the brain. This "rebound" can cause an alteration in chemicals or neurotransmitters (chemicals used to transmit messages to other cells). Many people don't realize, while watching competitive sports, that this is one of the most common places for a concussion to occur. Many years ago, concussions were not as easily recognized and did not get the respect they deserved. When players received a blow to the head and were stunned, they were said to "ring the bell" and perhaps, at best, skip the next round. Many concussions go untreated or undiagnosed. We now recognize that an undiagnosed concussion can be particularly dangerous. It is vital that the brain is protected from taking another blow until full recovery. “Most concussion symptoms disappear within 2 weeks, but 10 to 20% of concussion sufferers experience symptoms weeks, months, or years later.” (National Academy of Sciences). This statement shows that many symptoms disappear, but about ⅕ of concussion sufferers experience symptoms later in life. Here are some acute concussion symptoms. The most obvious indication is the loss of consciousness after an impact to the head. Other symptoms may be more subtle but should be recognized on the sideline by coaches, referees, trainers and other players. These include dizziness, confusion...... middle of paper......s/concussion-clinic/about-concussions.htmlhttp://www.kshb.com/sports/football/concussion-risk-highest- for-high-school-athletes-says-studyhttp://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/9902116/report-details-concussion-risks-high-school-athleteshttps://www.impacttest. com/about/http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/baseline_test.htmlhttp://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2009-09/messier-projecthttp://www.cbc.ca/sports/ hockey/concussions-and-the-mouth-guard-myth-1.845686http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81990bdf/article/new-nfl-rules-Designed-to-limit-head-injurieshttp:/ /www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2672291/http://www.healtheast.org/bethesda/outpatient-services/concussion-clinic/about-concussions.htmlhttp://www.foxnews.com /sports/2013/10/30/report-urges-a-cultural-change-for-young-athletes-says-it-is-too-little-known/