Concussion: When the skull just isn't protection enough Football
and soccer players tend to be at risk for a concussion, however,
the injury can happen to anyone. In fact, every 21 seconds, one
person in the United States experiences a traumatic brain injury
(TBI).1 A TBI can be a serious head injury causing permanent
disability or death; however, of the 1.5 million Americans who
sustain a TBI each year, 75% of the injuries are concussions or
other minor head injuries.2 Any blow or jolt to the head, some
of which seem harmless, can cause a concussion. Falling off a
ladder, falling in the bathtub, or tripping on a rug are just a
few ways you can sustain a concussion in your home. A concussion
can also occur while playing a contact sport such as baseball or
football, while skating, or while riding a skateboard. What is a
concussion? Three membranes, collectively called the meninges,
provide protection by separating the brain's soft tissue from
the rigid wall of the skull. Three layers cover the brain; the
dura,