Final answer:
A concussion is a serious brain injury regardless of whether or not there is a loss of consciousness, and repeated concussions may lead to permanent impairments. The NCAA and NFL have policies to minimize concussion risks and helmet safety plays a vital role in prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that a concussion is only serious if the athlete blacks out is a misconception. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can be quite serious, even if there is no loss of consciousness. Concussions are indeed the mildest and most common form of brain injury and can manifest as headaches, drowsiness, and confusion. These symptoms are temporary for most individuals, but repeated concussions can lead to long-term problems, such as difficulties with memory, learning, speech, or balance.
Due to their potential severity, concussions in sports are treated with great concern. The NCAA and NFL have implemented various measures to manage the risk of concussions among players, including changes in protocols and the development of a helmet-rating system. It is important to note that even mild brain injuries like concussions can heal on their own, but serious ones may result in permanent physical and mental disabilities. In some instances, strong blows to the head leading to fractures can cause contrecoup injuries or basilar fractures, which can be life-threatening due to the risk of bleeding and damage to vital arteries.