ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Concussion grading systems

When you hit your head really hard, sometimes it can hurt your brain. This is called a concussion. To figure out how bad a concussion is, grown-ups use something called a grading system.

There are different grading systems, but they all have three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Think of it like a traffic light: green is mild, yellow is moderate, and red is severe.

So when a grown-up is trying to figure out how bad a concussion is, they look for certain signs. For a mild concussion, you might feel a little bit dizzy, or forgetful, or have a headache. For a moderate concussion, you might feel really dizzy, or get sick to your stomach, or have trouble thinking clearly. And for a severe concussion, you might feel like you can't wake up, or have a seizure, or feel very confused.

Remember, this is all very serious! If you ever hit your head and you start to feel any of these things, make sure you tell a grown-up right away. They will help you feel better and make sure your brain is okay.