What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.
Signs and Symptoms
Concussion are many possible signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms may appear right away or can take hours or days to appear. Most people with a concussion recover fully, but it is important to give the brain time to heal. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, foggy or groggy
- Change in sleep patterns
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Doing things more slowly
- Mood changes like feeling more emotional or irritable than usual
- Fatigue or low energy
These symptoms are usually temporary but can last for days, weeks, or even longer in some cases. Sometimes symptoms may not be noticed until days after the injury. It is important to monitor for any new or worsening signs and symptoms which require immediate medical attention, including:
- Headaches that worsen
- Seizures
- Repeated vomiting
- Increasing confusion or irritability
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Unusual behavioral changes
- Difficulty recognizing people or places
- Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
- Loss of consciousness
Causes and Risk Factors
Concussions can happen in any sport or recreational activity. The leading cause of concussions for children and teens is falls. For adults, the most common causes are motor vehicle crashes, followed by falls and recreational activities like sports. Some activities have a higher risk of concussions. Contact sports like football, ice hockey, lacrosse, wrestling and boxing carry the highest risk of concussions and repeated head impacts.
Diagnosis
There is no single test to diagnose a concussion. To diagnose a concussion, a doctor assesses the person's signs and symptoms along with results of a neurological exam and information about when the injury occurred. Brain imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs are generally normal in concussions as they do not show any structural damage. Doctors may also perform balance testing, cognitive assessment, or other specialized testing to diagnose a concussion and monitor recovery.
Management and Treatment
There is no medication to treat a concussion. Concussions cannot be seen on scans. Most people recover fully from a concussion within a few weeks but sometimes symptoms can last for months. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and allowing the brain to heal. It is important to avoid activities like sports if any concussion symptoms are present.
Managing activity, both cognitive and physical, is an important part of concussion treatment. Mental and physical rest are needed until symptoms start to resolve. Once this occurs, gradually increasing mental and physical activity and exposure to school, work, or sports can be started as tolerated. But if symptoms worsen with activity, this activity level should be reduced to one that does not worsen symptoms.
It is very important for the injured person to take time to recover fully from a concussion and return to regular activities slowly. Ignoring concussion symptoms and returning to sports or activities too soon puts the injured person at risk for prolonged recovery or long term issues. Following doctor recommendations and taking time to heal helps fully recover brain function. With appropriate rest and gradual return to activity, most people fully recover from a concussion.
Prevention
Wearing a properly fitted helmet is the best way to prevent head injuries and concussions related to recreational activities like biking, skateboarding, skiing/snowboarding, and contact sports. Helmet design has improved significantly in recent years and newer helmets provide much better protection than older helmets.
Another way to prevent concussions is following rules and practice proper form in contact sports to avoid collisions or injurious contact with the head, neck or torso. Maintaining adequate hydration, nutrition and avoiding extreme temperatures can also help minimize concussion risk. Resting as needed can help manage fatigue which could contribute to increased injury risk when performing activities that carry risk of concussions.
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Resource – The Impact of Concussions on Healthcare Systems
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Advancements in Concussion Diagnosis and Treatment Technologies
About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
