Can concussions lower IQ?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 16, 2026
Does a Concussion Affect a Person's Intelligence? A concussion does not necessarily affect intelligence. Intelligence is a stable trait which includes many aspects of cognitive functioning. Following a concussion, the brain is unable to function as well as it did prior to injury.
Can a concussion cause mental retardation?
According to a study being presented at the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition, these injuries have long-term consequences; researchers found children who experience traumatic brain injury are at higher risk of developing headache, depression, and mental or intellectual disorders up to ...
Do concussions permanently damage your brain?
“In most cases, a single concussion should not cause permanent damage,” the Association says. “A second concussion soon after the first one does not have to be very strong for its effects to be permanently disabling.”
Can concussions alter personality?
When a head injury or concussion causes changes to a person's emotions and behavior, it can, therefore, cause them to have an apparent change in their personality. The location of the brain injury can especially change how the person behaves.
Does hitting your head affect intelligence?
Does a Concussion Affect a Person's Intelligence? A concussion does not necessarily affect intelligence. Intelligence is a stable trait which includes many aspects of cognitive functioning. Following a concussion, the brain is unable to function as well as it did prior to injury.
15 related questions foundHow do concussions affect the brain long term?
Long Term Effects of a Concussion
Trouble concentrating. Memory problems. Irritability and other personality changes. Sensitivity to light and noise.
Do concussions shorten lifespan?
Despite initial hospitalization and inpatient rehabilitation services, about 50% of people with TBI will experience further decline in their daily lives or die within 5 years of their injury. Some of the health consequences of TBI can be prevented or reduced.
Is 7 concussions too many?
Is There a Set Number of Concussions That's Too Much. There is no set number as to how many concussions humans can have before they suffer permanent damage. After all, some athletes experience symptoms for years after just one concussion, while others are seemingly okay after having more than one.
Can a concussion last for years?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a condition in which the symptoms of concussion or a head injury last long after the initial injury. PCS can last for months or years, but the symptoms improve over time, and, in most cases, people make a full recovery.
Can concussions cause autism?
Can a brain injury cause autism? While many symptoms of TBI and autism overlap, there is currently no evidence to suggest that a brain injury causes an increased risk of autism.
Can concussions cause ADHD?
We do know that concussions can cause ADHD-like symptoms in patients without neurodevelopmental disorders and that they can make existing ADHD symptoms worse.
Can concussions cause schizophrenia?
Head trauma may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, a new study says. The results show people who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are 1.6 times more likely to develop schizophrenia compared with those who have not suffered such an injury.
Can MRI show old brain injury?
MRI might show brain atrophy long after the injury, which results when injured or dead brain tissue is reabsorbed after TBI. Since injured brain tissue might not fully recover after TBI, doctors might detect TBI-related changes many years following an injury.
How many concussions does the average person have in a lifetime?
Lifetime concussion prevalence by concussion definition
The overall median number of concussions reported was 2, and a vast majority (87.9%) of concussions were experienced more than 3 years ago.
Does a concussion show up on an MRI?
An MRI creates clear images of brain tissue. But these scans cannot show if you have a concussion. A concussion is different from a fracture or bleeding. A concussion affects how your brain works, and most people recover within a few weeks.
How many concussions does it take to cause brain damage?
TUESDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Just one concussion can cause long-term structural damage to the brain, according to a new study. Researchers used 3-D MRI to examine the volume of gray and white brain matter in 19 concussion patients one year after their injury, and in 12 people who had not suffered a concussion.
How many concussions does Sidney have?
Reported Concussions. Crosby has missed 114 games in his career due to concussion-related issues. The bulk of the missed games came in 2011 and 2012, but he also missed the first six games of this season because of a concussion.
Is second concussion worse?
Experts say that if the brain doesn't have enough time to recover from the initial concussion, a second one can have a devastating, often fatal, effect -- even when the second jolt is no more than a light bump.
Is your brain ever the same after a concussion?
The new study compared brain scans from a group of healthy individuals and a group of concussion patients and found that after a year, those who suffered a concussion showed signs of structural brain damage in regions of the brain linked to mood disorders and depression.
What is a level 3 brain injury?
You are at risk of permanent brain damage with a grade 3 concussion. Patients with grade 3 concussion can experience speech difficulty, amnesia for more than 24 hours, vomiting, and seeing stars. The symptoms of a grade 3 concussion are also the longest-lasting before they improve and subside.
Can you live a normal life after brain injury?
While life after brain injury will not be easy, it is still possible to achieve happiness. Your life may look a lot different now, but it can still be worthwhile.
Can concussions cause memory loss years later?
Yes, a concussion can cause long-term memory loss and recurring short-term memory loss, even weeks, months, or years after the head trauma. Usually, this is known as a symptom of post-concussion syndrome.
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Persistent post-concussive symptoms, also called post-concussion syndrome, occurs when concussion symptoms last beyond the expected recovery period after the initial injury. The usual recovery period is weeks to months. These symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and problems with concentration and memory.
Can you diagnose a TBI years later?
Because injured brain tissue may not completely recover following TBI, changes due to TBI may be detectable many years after an injury.
Can concussions cause white spots on brain?
“White matter damage is definitely prevalent,” Stevens explains. “Virtually all brain trauma patients have it in some form.” They don't need to suffer severe trauma—people can experience it after a concussion, a fleeting loss of consciousness, he says.