This Is Your Brain On A Concussion

This Is Your Brain On A Concussion Research is beginning to shed more light on the cognitive and physiological effects of concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or other event that causes the brain to shake inside of the skull. Normally, the brain is protected by the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds it, as well as the skull, which acts like armor. But when the head or body experience extreme impact – such as a football tackle or car accident – the brain can crash into the skull, causing bruising, bleeding and/or swelling. When the head's motion suddenly stops, the head jolts forward and the brain bangs against the skull, bruising the brain. FLUID The brain compresses against the skull again when it rebounds. PARIETAL LOBE FRONTAL LOBE OCCIPITAL LOBE CEREBELLUM SPINAL CORD This can cause the brain tissue to swell. The tissue lacks the room to expand, causing pressure in the skull. Sources: Centers for Discase Control and Prevention, Web MD, Time THE HUFFINGTON POST