Complete Concussion Management tackles 6 common myths about concussions:

Myth 1: Helmets can protect against concussion
“There are no helmets that are proven to protect against concussion or reduce the incidence rate. A helmet does not prevent concussion because it’s is caused by acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull.
However, helmets can protect against skull fractures and cuts” and therefore it is recommended helmets are still worn.

Myth 2: Mouth guards can prevent concussion
Unfortunately this is not true. Mouth guards can help prevent oral damage, but there is very little research that supports their prevention of concussions.

Myth 3: Only a hit to the head can cause a concussion
A concussion occurs when a large impact to the body can cause acceleration of the brain, “causing the brain to rattle or shake in the skull.” ie. “Slide tackles, open ice shoulder hits and whiplash are possible causes of concussion because of the force that’s transmitted to the head.”

Myth 4: Concussions can only happen in contact sport
There are a large number of concussions in high impact sports, such as rugby, football and hockey, however, “Sources show that head injuries commonly occur in sports such as soccer, cycling, skiing, basketball, baseball, dance and gymnastics.”

Myth 5: No loss of consciousness = No concussion
This is false! “It is estimated that more than 90% of concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness.”

Myth 6: Rest is the best recovery
At one time, rest was a very common way of treating a concussion, but a recent study “recommends that a period of symptom-limited rest (24 to 48 hours). Following this period, athletes who suffered a concussion can be encouraged to become gradually and progressively more active.”

You can read more of this article by Complete Concussion Management, here.

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