Medicine
Linear Acceleration in Concussion
Quick fact
A force of just 10 g (gravity) acting on the head can lead to a concussion.
Why this is interesting
Did you know that a simple head bump can cause brain damage? It's not the size of the hit, but how fast it moves your head that matters.
Read the full explanation
Understanding Linear Acceleration in Concussion
When you experience a sudden jolt or impact—like in a car crash or sports collision—your head moves rapidly. This rapid movement, called linear acceleration, causes your brain to move inside your skull. If the force is strong enough, it can damage brain cells and lead to a concussion.
A deeper explanation
Linear acceleration refers to the change in velocity of an object over time in a straight line. In the case of concussions, this means the head moves quickly due to external forces like collisions or falls. The brain, which is suspended in fluid inside the skull, lags behind and collides with the skull's inner walls. This collision can disrupt neural connections and cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.