Across the country, hundreds of thousands of athletes–young and old–suffer head brain while playing sports each year. The CDC estimates that as many as 1.7 to 3.8 million concussions and brain injuries happen annually during games and practices. But the real number may be even higher, since many of these injuries are never reported.
What makes these injuries especially dangerous is how easily they can be missed. A player might “shake it off,” keep playing, or not realize anything’s wrong until hours later. And once someone’s had one concussion, they’re more likely to suffer another—especially if they return to play too soon.
Types of Brain Injuries in Sports
Brain injuries don’t always come with flashing warning signs or dramatic hits. Some are subtle. Others can be fatal. Here are the most common ones seen in sports:
- Concussion – The most frequent head injury in sports, a concussion is a temporary disruption in how the brain works–usually after a blow to the head or a hard hit to the body that jars the brain. Symptoms might include headaches, dizziness, nausea, mood swings, or just feeling “off.” Most concussions heal with rest, but not all.
- Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) – This is a rare but deadly condition. It happens when an athlete takes a second hit to the head before the first concussion has fully healed. The brain swells quickly and dangerously–often with devastating results. It’s one of the strongest reasons athletes should never rush back into play.
- Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) – Sometimes, concussion symptoms stick around for weeks–or even months. That’s called PCS. It can make everyday things like concentrating, working, or even getting out of bed a struggle. PCS tends to affect younger athletes more and is more likely after multiple concussions.
- Traumatic Axonal Injury (TAI) – This is a more severe type of brain injury where nerve fibers in the brain are stretched or torn from rapid movement–like during a violent collision. It may not show up on a basic scan, but it can cause major thinking and memory issues, and in some cases, coma.
- Brain contusions – This is a bruise directly on the brain, usually from a strong hit to the head. It may involve bleeding or swelling and can affect speech, movement, or consciousness, depending on where the impact happened.
- Subdural hematomas – A serious injury where blood collects between the brain and skull. It may develop slowly or quickly, but either way, it’s dangerous. Symptoms might include confusion, vomiting, seizures, or a drop in consciousness–and it often requires emergency surgery.
Not every brain injury involves a knockout blow or a dramatic collapse on the field. Sometimes it’s just a stumble, a foggy moment, or a player “not quite right.” Those are the moments that matter. That’s when someone needs to step in, speak up, and make sure the athlete gets the help they need.
What to Watch For: Signs of a Brain Injury
The faster a brain injury is recognized, the better the chance for recovery. These are some of the most common red flags to look out for during or after sports activity:
- Dazed or blank stare, where they seem out of it or not fully “there.”
- Slow response time when speaking or moving
- Trouble focusing, being easily distracted, or not being able to follow conversations or instructions.
- Feeling disoriented, not knowing where they are or what’s going on
- Slurred or confused speech
- Stumbling, swaying, or struggling to walk straight.
- Crying, panic, or anger that doesn’t fit the situation.
- Repeating the same question, forgetting simple things.
- Losing consciousness (even briefly.) This is always a medical emergency.
Coaches, schools, and leagues have a responsibility to look out for their athletes—not just in big moments, but in the small ones too. That means creating a culture where head injuries are taken seriously, and no one is pressured to play through a hit to the head. Too often, that doesn’t happen. And when it doesn’t, players pay the price.
For more information on recognizing and managing brain injuries in sports, visit the Head Injury Hotline at www.headinjury.com or email brain@headinjury.com.
