Concussion

Head injuries vary in their severity, and concussion is a mild traumatic head trauma that usually doesn’t cause permanent brain damage, unless a person experiences multiple ones.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild head injury that causes the brain to move a little. Although concussions aren’t life-threatening in general, their effects might continue for weeks in some cases.

Concussions are extremely common, especially among athletes and children.

Causes of concussion

• When a force hits the head and causes the brain to move from side to side or back and forth within the skull, this causes the concussion.
• Concussions usually occur due to falls, auto and bicycle accidents, physical violence and abuse, and not using the required safety equipment when doing risky sports or jobs.

Symptoms of concussion

Concussion symptoms might manifest immediately after the head trauma or within hours or days after and usually include:

• Headache.
• Tinnitus.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blurred vision.
• Drowsiness.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Dizziness.
• Amnesia and confusion.
• Slurred speech.
• Temporary fainting.

Delayed symptoms of a concussion might include:

• Irritability and personality changes.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Sensitivity to noise and light.
• Sleep problems.
• Depression.
• Smell and taste changes.

Concussion symptoms in children:

• Crankiness and irritability.
• Unusual crying.
• Imbalance.
• Looking dazed.
• Sleep and eating changes.
• Apathy.
• Vomiting.

Complications of concussion

• Post-traumatic headaches and vertigo that could last for days or weeks.
• Post-concussion syndrome, which causes the symptoms to last longer than usual, like months or even a year.
• Bleeding inside the brain or skull, brain swelling, or skull fractures, which are rare.

Diagnosis of concussion

• Neurological exam.
• Cognitive test.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of concussion

• The essential treatment for concussions is resting.
• Avoid activities that require concentration for a few days, such as TV, games, reading, and using the phone and computer.
• Avoid working and physical activity.
• You can return to your daily routine gradually as the doctor recommends.
• You can take analgesics when needed.