Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that affect a person's brain functions, usually caused by a sudden blow to the head, which causes a whiplash like motion, forcing your brain to move around inside your skull. After the initial injury, patients typically suffer mild symptoms for a few days-weeks, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, etc. After that, symptoms usually resolve. But for some people, symptoms are long-lasting and can develop and become more severe, sometimes even leading to PCS (Post Concussion Syndrome). These symptoms can include bouts of confusion, memory problems, and light sensitivity. Long-lasting symptoms are rare, but the more concussions you've had, the more likely you are to develop them (Office of Public Affairs).

Post-concussion syndrome is what occurs when concussion symptoms exceed past the recovery period, after the initial injury. The recovery period for a concussion patient can usually be from weeks to months, with most symptoms going away after the first week or two, through the next 3 months. When symptoms last longer than that, they become post-concussive. Post-concussive symptoms include anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches, which can vary from minor tension-type headaches, up to severe migraines. The cause of Post-concussive syndrome is still unknown, as some experts believe that it is caused by structural damage to the nerves, while others think that psychological factors play a major role (things like depression, anxiety, or PTSD). Although not everyone that suffers a concussion goes on to suffer Post-concussion syndrome, the only true way to prevent it, is to not contract the head injury in the first place (Mayo Clinic Staff).

After sustaining your first concussion, it has been proven that you are more likely to suffer from another one, especially within the first year after your initial injury. You should never return to your sport while still dealing with concussion symptoms, as head injuries affect things like balance, coordination, and other needed skills to continue in athletics. Even when you are fully healed and cleared to return to your sport, the risk is still always there. Concussion symptoms typically stay the same no matter the number of concussions you’ve had, but athletes who have suffered multiple concussions can deal with more severe symptoms, and longer recovery time (Allen).