A Short Lesson About Concussions

Yesterday morning I had the Tour de France playing in the background while working in my office. I looked up from my laptop when I heard the commentators mention Greg LeMond followed by highlights of the 1986 stage to Alpe d'Huez. One of the things that struck me from those highlights was the lack of helmets. I remember riding my bike as a kid without a helmet, but today I won't go ten feet on my bike without one. One of the reasons for that change is what we know about brain injuries today that we didn't know in the 1980's. So much so that today professional and amateur sports leagues have concussion protocols. 

TED-Ed offers a good lesson about what happens to your brain when you get a concussion. The six minute video explains what a concussion is, the short-term and long-term effects of concussions, and myths about concussions. 

Applications for Education
What Happens When You Have a Concussion? could be a great video lesson to have middle school and high school athletes complete before their fall sports seasons begin. The video could help improve students' awareness of the symptoms and effects of concussions.