National Concussion Awareness Day is a holiday observed annually on the third Friday of September. It attempts to raise public awareness about concussions and the millions of people who suffer from this condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3.8 million recreation and sports-related concussions occur each year in the U.S. People suffering from concussions may experience a range of symptoms, including nausea or vomiting, confusion, problems with memory or concentration, sensitivity to light and sound, depression, headaches, and balance problems.

A concussion is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention and after-care, which is one reason why this holiday is observed each year.

The History of National Concussion Awareness Day

This holiday was first observed in 2016 and was created by the Concussion Legacy Foundation. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preventing and treating sports-related brain injuries.

They established this day around the beginning of the football season to raise awareness about brain injuries caused by playing the sport and how many of these injuries are ignored. Although the start of this holiday began slowly, it has been gaining momentum over the years and is now observed by sports teams, schools, and medical organizations across the United States.

Some Facts About Concussion and Brain Injury

To emphasize the importance of brain injury protocols in sports and to help raise awareness about the importance of immediate treatment after a concussion, we thought we’d list some facts about brain injuries below.

Please note the following disclaimer: The following facts are for informational purposes only and are not designed nor intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone is encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions they may have regarding concussions, brain injuries, or any other medical conditions. With that said, let’s take a look at the following facts:

• A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head.
• Concussions are generally non-life-threatening.
• People may be knocked out after suffering a concussion, but that’s not always the case.
• Danger signs that warrant an emergency department visit include a headache that gets worse or doesn’t go away, weakness, slurred speech, and vomiting.
• Other symptoms that warrant a visit to the ER include drowsiness, having one pupil larger than the other, convulsions or seizures, and unusual behavior.

Observing National Concussion Awareness Day

This day is for people to learn about the dangers of concussions and the actions they can take to protect themselves and their children from traumatic brain injuries. It’s also a day for sports teams, at both the school and professional levels, to consider their safety and concussion protocols. Word of this holiday can be spread throughout the Internet using the hashtag #NationalConcussionAwarenessDay.