When someone suffers a hard hit to the head, his or her brain can be injured. The most common kind of brain injury caused by physical damage to the head is called a concussion. Athletes who play contact sports such as football, hockey, or boxing seem most likely to experience concussions. But athletes in almost every sport can get them. In fact, cheerleading has the second highest rate of concussions in high school sports, behind only football.

In this lesson, we will look at concussions—what they are, how they occur, and the challenges doctors face in identifying them. We will also cover ways you can protect yourself from their harmful effects.

List two physical activities you often do or watch. For each one, describe how people could get hurt doing this activity, and how they might protect themselves from getting a serious injury.

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