A concussion is the most common and least severe type of traumatic brain injury due to impact to the head, usually with a temporary loss of brain function.

Once someone has had a concussion, he or she is at greater risk of it happening again, especially if the second concussion occurs before the symptoms of the first one have subsided. A second lesser impact may cause worse symptoms. Multiple concussions may lead to a greater risk of developing dementia, Parkinson’s disease or depression later in life.

Causes

Concussion is caused by major impact to the head. Car accidents, falls and sports injuries are the most common causes.

Symptoms

Symptoms are varied and not specific to this type of injury and it may therefore be difficult to recognise straight away. A concussion can cause physical, emotional and cognitive changes which can include:

    • Headaches (most common symptom)
    • Being confused and not being able to concentrate or reason
    • Loss of consciousness, being drowsy, fatigued
    • Memory loss of events before the injury or right after
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Seeing flashing lights
    • Being emotional or irritable.

It is important to note that the symptoms do not include bleeding. If there is any sign of bleeding it indicates a more serious form of head injury and medical assistance should be seeked immediately.

Treatment

Checks are done on the person’s nervous system and tests, including brain scans, may be ordered.

No treatment may be needed for a mild head injury; the brain just needs time to recover. However, after a concussion, even a mild one, care should be taken in order to allow maximum rest for the brain:

    • Avoid activities that have the potential to cause further head injury, for example certain sports or jobs
    • Avoid work that require concentration or intense thinking
    • Avoid bright lights and loud sounds.

Talk to a doctor if the symptoms do not subside after two to three weeks. However, seek immediate medical assistance if you observe changes in consciousness or if other serious symptoms such as seizures or repeated vomiting are present.

Prevention

Always use safety equipment such as seat belts, helmets and hard hats if you are engaged in an activity that you know holds a risk of impact to the head.

 

Sources
Anderson T, Heitger M, Macleod AD (2006). “Concussion and mild head injury”. Practical Neurology 6 (6): 342 – 57
McCrory, P; Meeuwisse, W; Johnston, K; Dvorak, J; Aubry, M; Molloy, M; Cantu, R (2009 Jul-Aug). “Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2008”. Journal of athletic training 44 (4): 434 – 48
Rees PM (2003). “Contemporary issues in mild traumatic brain injury”. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 84 (12): 1885 – 94
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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