Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

In Sports

  • The Dylan Steigers Protection of Youth Athletes Act (SB 112)- As of April 22, 2013, Montana has a law regarding concussions in youth athletes. 
  • Montana High School Association (MHSA) Concussion Rules, Regulations, & Resources
    The Montana High School Association provides a number of resources for parents and guardians, school staff, and coaches on concussion and brain injury. Montana concussion rules are available, as well as forms, parent letters, and concussion insurance information. 
  • Concussion in Sports- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • HeadsUpParents- CDC Foundation from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment
    This site will help you recognize, respond to, and minimize the risk of concussion or other serious brain injury. An interactive map provide injury statistics and lets you scroll over community scenes to discover how injuries occur and how to reduce risk.
  • HeadsUpCoaches- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    This site contains fact sheet, action plans,regulation information, customizable posters and other information for coaches.
  • HeadsUpSchools: Know Your Concussion ABCs- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    This flexible set of materials, developed for professionals working with grades K-12, will help you identify and respond to concussions in an array of school settings

In the Class Room

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. In 2010 2.5 million TBIs occurred either as an isolated injury or along with other injuries.

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.

National Resources