Concussions

Brain

Board Helmet

Why is Philidelphia Flyer Eric Lindros still sitting at home watching hockey instead of playing it? It's all from being hit too many times in the head. It's called a concussion - Eric's had six of them in the last two years.

A concussion is basically a rocking of the brain. It happens when you get hit or fall on your head. And of course, some are more serious than others. Mike Piazza got a minor concussion after being nailed in the head with a fastball from Roger Clemens. This means he didn't pass out or anything, he was just kind of dazed. It shows you how important it is to wear a batting helmet when you're playing baseball!

But other concussions can be more serious. When Eric Lindros got hit for the 3rd and 4th time, he was not only dazed - he didn't even remember what happened. Other athletes have had concussions where they get completely knocked out.

One of the best ways to avoid a concussion is to wear proper safety gear. That means putting on a helmet whenever you're doing stuff like snowboarding, rollerblading, or biking - and when you're playing football or hockey. The pro's always wear them, so why shouldn't you? And, do you really want to spend the rest of your life drooling like an idiot, while your mom spoon feeds you - just because you didn't put on a helmet?

For more info on concussions and Eric Lindros, head to Eric's website in our Links Library.

How do I know If I've got a concussion?

If you've had any sort of knock or blow to your head, then you may have a concussion. Here are some of the signs of a concussion.

big headaches
feeling dizzy and like you're going to puke.
one of your pupils may be bigger than the other one.
some memory loss or forgetfulness (if you don't know your name - there's a good chance you've got a concussion).

These are just some of the signs. If you've been hit in the head or had any sort of bad fall, it's always best to see a doctor.