Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), often referred to as concussion, is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. In the United States, an estimated 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur each year, though the true number is higher due to underreporting. While contact sports are a major source, mTBI also results from falls, car accidents, and daily activities, with children and older adults especially at risk. Because symptoms may be subtle or delayed, many injuries go unrecognized, making concussion a significant public health challenge.

Preventing underreporting and missed diagnoses begins with education. Too often, individuals minimize or dismiss symptoms because they do not fully understand what a concussion is or believe it requires loss of consciousness. By teaching athletes, parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to recognize the wide spectrum of symptoms — such as headache, dizziness, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating — more injuries can be identified early.

Cultural change is also critical. Many athletes, especially in competitive settings, underreport symptoms out of fear that they will lose playing time or be perceived as weak. Shifting this mindset requires strong messaging that prioritizes long-term health over short-term performance. Coaches and organizations play a key role in reinforcing that reporting symptoms is not a sign of weakness but an essential act of responsibility and care.

Protocols and policies further support recognition and safety. Standardized return-to-play and return-to-learn guidelines help ensure that athletes and students recover at a safe pace, guided by evidence-based timelines rather than external pressures. Schools, sports leagues, and workplaces that adopt these practices create safer environments and reduce the likelihood of premature return to activity, which increases the risk of further injury.

Community-level outreach is equally important. Public awareness campaigns, access to reliable educational resources, and open conversations around concussion can help dismantle stigma and misinformation. Families and caregivers who understand the signs of mTBI are better equipped to seek medical evaluation, while healthcare systems that integrate concussion education into routine care can catch injuries earlier.

Concussion literacy — the ability to understand, recognize, and respond appropriately to brain injury — is the foundation of prevention. By promoting widespread awareness, encouraging honest reporting, and fostering supportive cultures, communities can help ensure that concussions are no longer invisible injuries but recognized health events that deserve attention and care.