What characterizes a concussion?

A concussion is primarily characterized by closed head trauma that results in brain movement, typically due to an impact or sudden jolt to the head. This movement can cause the brain to be temporarily disrupted, leading to a variety of symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, headache, and problems with balance or coordination. Since concussions can occur without penetrating the skull, they are classified as closed head injuries.

While it is common for individuals suffering from a concussion to experience loss of consciousness or ongoing headache symptoms, these are not defining characteristics of a concussion. Loss of consciousness does not occur in all concussions, and headaches are a symptom rather than a defining trait. An open head injury refers to conditions where there is a breach in the skull, which is not the case in concussions, further reinforcing why closed head trauma with brain movement is the most accurate descriptor.