What is a common cause of a concussion?

A concussion is primarily caused by a forceful impact to the head. This can occur as a result of a blow from an object, a fall, or even a jarring motion that causes the brain to move quickly back and forth inside the skull. The force can disrupt normal brain function, leading to symptoms associated with a concussion such as headache, confusion, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

The other options, while they may relate to injuries or health issues, do not directly correlate with the specific mechanism that causes a concussion. Deep cuts on the head, for instance, may result from trauma but do not necessarily affect brain function as concussions do. Slips and falls on ice can certainly lead to a variety of injuries, but they are merely a situation that might cause a concussion rather than being a defining cause themselves. High blood pressure is associated with many medical conditions but does not play a role in the traumatic mechanism that leads to concussions. Focusing on the direct impact to the head is crucial in understanding how concussions occur and why that makes the correct answer relevant.