Team of Experts

In layperson's terms, a concussion results from trauma (e.g. usually but not always a blow to the head, face or neck) which causes the brain - a jellylike structure which is normally protected from collisions with the skull by a tough, fluid-filled membrane - to collide with the skull.

Only where an athlete continues to experience post-concussion signs or symptoms for more than a week is consultation with a concussion specialized advised, says Dr. Robert Cantu.

Computerized baseline pre-injury and post-injury neuropsychological testing can be an important part of concussion management, says Dr. Robert Cantu, particularly in terms of identifying cognitive impairment, but  isn't foolproof, does not allow a "red light/green light" decision on return to play, and is only one piece of the assessment puzzle.

Dr. Robert Cantu recommends parents seek additional testing and evaluation if their child's post-concussion signs and symptoms do not clear within a week to 10 days or increase in number or severity.