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What happens when you have a concussion? - Clifford Robbins

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Each year in the United States, players of sports and recreational activities receive between 2.5 and 4 million concussions. How dangerous are all those concussions? The answer is complicated and lies in how the brain responds when something strikes it. Clifford Robbins explains the science behind concussions.


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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Clifford Robbins
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Director Rémi Cans
  • Sound Designer Nicolas Martigne
  • Composer Nicolas Martigne
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
Additional Resources for you to Explore
The Concussion Legacy Foundation has great resources for people interested in learning more about the long-term consequences of brain injuries, including post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Interested readers can find not only descriptions of the science behind these disorders, but also read personal stories written by individuals who have struggled with the consequences of brain trauma.

For a short and humorous explanation of the brain injury problem in football, Adam Ruins Everything has a great two minute segment breaking down the issue, available online here.

The NY Times published a case study of Derek Boogaard, a former enforcer for the NY Rangers who was diagnosed with CTE after a career as a professional hockey enforcer. The resource includes a long form reading on his life, brain trauma, and untimely passing, as well as an interactive video that with interviews from friends, teammates, and family members discussing how his disease changed his personality. Take a look at the piece, ‘A Brain Gone Bad’.

For a thorough real-world examination of CTE in football, PBS Frontline has an excellent documentary that is freely available online detailing how the National Football League reacted to the startling revelations regarding CTE in football players.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Clifford Robbins
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Director Rémi Cans
  • Sound Designer Nicolas Martigne
  • Composer Nicolas Martigne
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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