What is a Concussion?

The term mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is used interchangeably with the term concussion. An MTBI or concussion is deined as a complex patho­physiologic process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechani­cal forces secondary to direct or indirect forces to the head. MTBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. This disturbance of brain function is typically associated with normal structural neuroimaging findings (i.e., CT scan, MRI). MTBI results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms and may or may not involve a loss of consciousness (LOC). Duration of symptoms is highly variable and may last from several minutes to days, weeks, months, or even longer in some cases.