9781422284957

Contact sports, such as football, see a lot of concussions, too. Usually, over time, the brain heals and the patient fully recovers. But it takes time. It will be a while before this young man can get on his bike again.” Rania’s mom shook her head. “And, that was when he was wearing a helmet.” Turning to her daughter she warned, “Imagine what would have happened to him if he hadn’t been wearing one. Just look at the dent in that helmet. That would have been his skull.” Dr. Williams agreed. “That helmet saved his life. So, Rania, please always wear a helmet!”

The Brain and a Concussion The brain of the average

adult weighs about three pounds. It is “floating” inside the skull, surrounded by fluid. This fluid acts like a shock absorber and protects the brain from minor hits and bumps. However, if the brain moves really fast inside the skull, a concussion occurs. During a concussion, the whole head is moved quickly, which makes the brain hit the inside of the skull. When the head stops moving, the brain bounces back and hits the other side of the inside of the skull. That impact causes the concussion.

14