Frontiers Youth

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury to the brain caused by a bump or hit to the head. It is a common injury in children and can cause lasting symptoms and disabilities. There are different causes of TBI, such as car accidents, falls, or football tackles. Fortunately, there are ways we can reduce TBI by making safe choices, such as buckling our seatbelts and wearing helmets while playing sports.

Concussions are an injury to the brain that can result in several kinds of changes in the way the brain functions: changes in the way you think (cognitive changes), in the way your brain works (neurological changes), and in the way you feel (physical and emotional changes). Concussions can be caused by accidents where you hit your head on something like the ground, a tree, or another person. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion and what you need to do to allow your brain to heal properly. It is also important to know how to prevent concussions.

A concussion can occur when someone experiences a hard hit to the head that jars the soft brain. This is why concussions are also called traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). When a student gets a concussion, it often disrupts athletics, school grades, and social life. It can sometimes even cause personality changes. Researchers have learned that: (a) a team approach is best; (b) an individual plan should be developed to help a student return to school successfully; (c) extra supports for learning and play activities at school are important; and (d) parents and teachers need to check a student’s progress frequently until there is a full recovery. Concussions can affect you or your friends. You need to know what to do to help yourself get back to play, school, and life. This article summarizes research-based practices for returning to school following concussion.