IntroductionThere is no exact definition of concussion because it can be somewhat of a matter of opinion. Different professions might create a definition of concussion based on how they view concussion. However, through all the different definitions provided, they all share common characteristics on the definition of concussion. Because of these similarities between concussion definitions, a concussion can be defined as trauma that affects the head or body resulting in neurological deficits or symptoms. Concussions typically occur following a blow to the head and can create many symptoms in the body (Edwards & Bodle 2014). Concussions can create many symptoms and vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of a concussion include: headache, nausea, dizziness, poor balance, sensory sensitivity, memory problems and fatigue. Concussions can also create symptoms that occur over longer periods of time, such as depression, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Because these symptoms can become more severe over time, athletes should be removed from play after suffering a concussion. Additionally, athletes should be removed from the game after a concussion because having more than one concussion is believed to cause cumulative effects on the brain. Because concussions damage the brain, it is important to try to prevent them. Rule changes in sports, as well as improved technology, have been implemented to help prevent concussions. Historical aspects Concussions were not relevant in football until the mid-1990s. Before that, if an athlete received a big, they were simply considered to have "rang the bell." It wasn't until 1994 that the NFL commissioner created the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committ... middle of paper... ....ess. Early symptoms appear to resolve within a few hours of the concussion. Later concussion symptoms occur days or weeks after the concussion. Late symptoms include: persistent headache, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, memory difficulties, irritability. personality changes and depression. These late-stage symptoms typically resolve within a week, but can last months or even forever. Although it is not common, second impact syndrome (SIS) can be a fatal short-term effect of a concussion sustaining repeated concussions in a short amount of time. SIS can be fatal because the brain takes a few weeks to fully heal from a concussion, so if an athlete receives another blow to the brain before it has healed, it could result in death. This is why it is important that athletes are removed from playing at following a concussion (Edwards & Bodle 2014).