Concussion
An acute brain injury that can occur after a single incident. Symptoms and recovery vary, and appropriate assessment and management are important.
Concussion & CTE
The fundamentals · Symptoms · What's known
Know the impact
Concussion & CTE
Know the impact. Understand the risks.
Sport brings people together, builds resilience and creates unforgettable moments. But head injuries are a serious part of the conversation. Understanding concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) helps athletes make informed decisions about their brain health.
01 The injury
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by an impact to the head or body that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. It can occur during a collision, fall or other sporting incident.
Common symptoms
- Headache or dizziness
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or balance problems
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Changes in mood or sleep
Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over time. A concussion can occur without a loss of consciousness.
02 The disease
What Is CTE?
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with exposure to repeated head impacts. Research has identified abnormal accumulation of a protein called tau in the brain, although the mechanisms underlying CTE are still being investigated.
CTE has been studied in people exposed to repeated head impacts, including athletes in contact sports. However, researchers are still working to understand why some people develop the disease and others do not.
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Repeated head impacts
CTE is associated with exposure to repeated head impacts.
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Risk is not certainty
Not everyone exposed to head impacts will develop CTE.
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Diagnosis
CTE cannot currently be definitively diagnosed during life; confirmation requires examination of brain tissue after death.
03 Side by side
Concussion vs CTE
CTE
A neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head impacts. Its development, risk factors and progression are not yet fully understood.
04 Why it matters
Why It Matters
Sport should challenge athletes without making them feel they must risk their long-term health to prove their commitment.
Recognising symptoms, reporting head injuries and following medical advice are important steps towards protecting brain health. Coaches, teammates, sporting organisations and athletes all have a role in creating environments where speaking up is encouraged.
You don't have to sacrifice your health to prove your toughness.