March 2026

When we think about concussions, we often picture an athlete taking a hard hit, falling to the ground, or being helped off the field. However, many concussions are much less obvious. An
athlete might experience a headache, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating and continue playing without telling anyone. In some cases, they might not even realize that what they are
experiencing could be a concussion.

One of the biggest challenges in concussion prevention is not simply recognizing when an injury occurs, but understanding why people sometimes hesitate to report their symptoms.

For young athletes, sports are often much more than a physical activity. They are an important part of their friendships, routines, and identities. The thought of missing a game, disappointing teammates, or losing a starting position can make speaking up especially difficult. Some athletes may also believe that their symptoms are not serious enough to warrant medical attention, particularly if they did not lose consciousness.

This is why concussion education needs to begin long before an injury occurs.

Through my work with Concussion Superstars, I have become increasingly interested in the gap between concussion awareness and the decisions people make when they experience an injury. Knowing that concussions can be serious does not necessarily mean someone will recognize their own symptoms or feel comfortable reporting them.

My concussion awareness research among young adults has reinforced the importance of this issue. Many participants described limited concussion knowledge before experiencing an injury, while others reported delays in seeking medical evaluation. These findings raise an important question: How can we expect young people to respond appropriately to concussions if they have not received the information they need beforehand?

I believe part of the answer involves changing how we talk about brain injuries.

Athletes should understand that reporting symptoms is not a sign of weakness. Coaches can help by creating environments where speaking up is encouraged rather than discouraged.
Parents and educators can also reinforce the message that an athlete’s long-term health should always come before a single game or competition.

Importantly, anyone with a suspected concussion should be removed from play immediately and evaluated by a healthcare professional. An athlete should not return to sports on the same day as a suspected concussion.

Ultimately, concussion awareness is about more than knowing the symptoms. It is about creating an environment where young people feel comfortable recognizing those symptoms, discussing them openly, and seeking appropriate care.

At Concussion Superstars, my goal is to help make that kind of education more accessible so that young athletes and their families feel better prepared before an injury ever happens.

Learn more about concussion symptoms, prevention, and recovery through our educational resources.