Recreational athletes, competitive athletes, high school athletes, college athletes, and professional athletes all have one thing in common: the risk of a concussion. It is impossible to go a season without an athlete on a team suffering a concussion. The more we study these concussions, the more we learn about them, such as their harmful effects on athletes. Because of the risk of health problems and death that arise from concussions, doctors, coaches, athletic trainers and legislators are taking action to protect athletes at all levels from suffering concussions. Concussions occur from time to time during various sporting events and many are familiar with the word concussion, but what really is a concussion? A concussion is a head injury that can leave harmful effects on athletes of all sports and ages. Concussions are regularly caused by a hard blow to the head or body that rattles the brain inside the skull. Although there is fluid inside the skull that protects the brain, when an athlete is hit hard enough, the brain travels to the point of hitting the skull, causing a head injury otherwise known as a concussion ("Concussion" ). Terry Adirim, a doctor who writes articles for the journal Clinical Pediatrician Emergency, says an individual can experience many different symptoms after suffering a concussion. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and vomiting, but each of these symptoms does not necessarily occur with every concussion. While many athletes do well after suffering a concussion, it is the second concussion that can be very unfavorable and even deadly. When an athlete receives a second concussion before the first is fully healed, this… middle of paper… can go a long way in preventing concussions in athletes of all talent levels and ages. Works Cited Adirim, Terry A. “Concussions in Sports and Recreation.” Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine 8.1 (2007): 2-6. Print.Bartholet, Jeffery. “Collision syndrome”. Scientific American 306.2 (2012): 66-71. Print.Brady, Erik. “Changing the game on youth concussions.” USA Today May 26, 2011, Virginia ed.: 1C. Print."Concussions." WebMD. WebMD, July 23, 2010. Web. March 18, 2012. .Toporek, Bryan. “Concussion Laws Addressing Recovering Student-Athletes.” Educational Week August 10, 2011: 10. Print. "Use your head." American Fitness 29.6 (2011): 52. PrintWhiteside, Kelly. “Concussions Are No Fun: Schoolwork Burdens Injured Athletes.” United States today. December 28, 2010, New Jersey ed.: 1C. Press.