Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Concussion in Spanish
Conmoción Cerebral · noun · kohn-moh-see-OHN seh-reh-BRAHL
The Spanish term for concussion is 'conmoción cerebral,' a compound noun that literally translates to 'cerebral commotion.' This medical term describes the temporary loss of brain function resulting from a traumatic impact to the head, and it is universally understood across all Spanish-speaking countries.
Pronounce it as kohn-moh-see-OHN seh-reh-BRAHL. Stress falls on the final syllable of each word. The double 'c' in conmoción produces a 'ks' sound before the 'i,' and cerebral maintains the soft 'c' before 'e.'
El jugador sufrió una conmoción cerebral durante el partido.
The player suffered a concussion during the game.
Concussion in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for concussion, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| conmoción cerebral | concussion | kohn-moh-see-OHN seh-reh-BRAHL | Default, widely understood |
| contusión cerebral | concussion | medical terminology |
How Native Speakers Use Conmoción Cerebral
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Medical diagnosis
El doctor confirmó que tenía una conmoción cerebral leve.
The doctor confirmed he had a mild concussion.
Used in a clinical setting when discussing diagnosis after an injury.
Sports injury
Después del golpe, lo sacaron del campo por sospecha de conmoción cerebral.
After the hit, they took him off the field due to suspected concussion.
Common in sports commentary when a player receives a head impact.
Recovery period
La recuperación de una conmoción cerebral puede tardar varias semanas.
Recovery from a concussion can take several weeks.
Discussing the healing timeline following a head injury.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Conmoción Cerebral
Using 'concusión' as a false cognate
Incorrect: Tuvo una concusión en el juego.
Correct: Tuvo una conmoción cerebral en el juego.
While 'concusión' exists in Spanish, it refers to a violent shaking or shock in general, not specifically a brain injury. The proper medical term is 'conmoción cerebral.'
Omitting 'cerebral'
Incorrect: Sufrió una conmoción después de caerse.
Correct: Sufrió una conmoción cerebral después de caerse.
Without 'cerebral,' the word 'conmoción' alone means commotion or upheaval in a general sense, losing the specific medical meaning.
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Conmoción Cerebral used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Concussion in Spanish
- Is 'concusión' ever used for brain injuries in Spanish?
- While some speakers may use 'concusión' informally due to English influence, the medically accepted and widely understood term across all Spanish-speaking regions remains 'conmoción cerebral,' which is what doctors and healthcare professionals consistently use in clinical documentation.
- How do you describe concussion symptoms in Spanish?
- Common symptom descriptions include 'mareos' (dizziness), 'náuseas' (nausea), 'dolor de cabeza' (headache), and 'visión borrosa' (blurred vision), all of which medical professionals will ask about when evaluating a potential conmoción cerebral.
- What's the difference between 'conmoción cerebral' and 'traumatismo craneoencefálico'?
- A traumatismo craneoencefálico (TBI or cranioencephalic trauma) is a broader medical category that includes any head injury affecting the brain, while conmoción cerebral specifically refers to a mild, typically temporary disruption of brain function caused by impact.