Is it true that an athlete can only sustain a concussion with an impact to the head?

An athlete can sustain a concussion from impacts that do not necessarily involve direct contact to the head. A concussion is classified as a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is subjected to rapid acceleration or deceleration forces. This can happen in a variety of sports and can be triggered by impacts to other parts of the body, such as the torso, which can cause the head to whip back and forth. This movement can lead to the brain colliding with the inner walls of the skull, resulting in injury.

Moreover, concussions can occur from situations such as falls, collisions, or even violent shaking of the head. It is important to understand that the mechanism of injury is broad and encompasses various types of impacts, not just those that involve the head directly. This understanding is crucial for coaches, athletes, and parents to recognize the signs of concussions and ensure the safety of athletes during practices and games.