Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
12:11
Objectively Assessing Sports Concussion Utilizing Visual Evoked Potentials
Published on: April 27, 2021
4.1K
An introduction to sports concussions.
Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.)
|December 4, 2014
Summary
Millions of sports-related concussions occur annually, particularly in young athletes. This review covers concussion basics, epidemiology, and the complex neurobiological events following sports injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Concussions are a significant public health concern, especially in sports.
- Athletes of all ages are at risk for concussion and repeat concussions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the terminology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of sports-related concussions.
- To provide an overview of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on concussion.
- Analysis of epidemiological data for sports-related concussions.
- Discussion of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Between 1.6 and 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually in the U.S.
- Higher concussion rates are observed in sports like football, hockey, rugby, soccer, and basketball.
- Pathophysiology involves ionic flux, glutamate release, energy crisis, and potential long-term neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- Concussion is a biomechanically induced neural dysfunction.
- Millions of sports-related concussions happen each year.
- Initial cellular events can lead to vulnerability and potential chronic neurodegenerative changes.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
2
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
2
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
7
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
7