(CNN) — Doctors, researchers and laypeople have come a long way in the understanding of concussions. To hear more of the conversation on kids, sports and concussions, listen to the full episode of Chasing Life here:So, what can you do to protect, identify and treat a concussion? Concussions can happen without losing consciousnessYou do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion, Stamm said via email. Concussions can occur without a direct hit to the headSimilarly, a concussion can occur in the absence of a direct hit to the head. “The best way to prevent a concussion is to avoid impacts.”We hope these five tips help protect your (or a loved one’s) brain in case of a concussion.

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Persons: Sanjay Gupta, —, Julie Stamm, ”, “, Stamm, “ We’re, ” Stamm, Gupta Organizations: CNN, —, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Sports, University of Wisconsin -, University of Pittsburgh Medical Locations: kinesiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Israel, Gaza