What is a Concussion?
I have taken 4 different explanations of a concussion to help understand the various views yet similarities.
The Definition of a Concussion:
Mayo Clinic - A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination
CDC - A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
American Academy of Neurology - A condition resulting from the stunning, damaging, or shattering effects of a hard blow to the head.
Concussion Legacy Foundation - A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Rapid movement causes brain tissue to change shape, which can stretch and damage brain cells. This damage also causes chemical and metabolic changes within the brain cells, making it more difficult for cells to function and communicate. Since the brain is the body’s control center, the effects of a concussion can be far-reaching
Symptoms:
Mayo Clinic - Physical signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:
Headache
Ringing in the ears
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue or drowsiness
Blurry vision
Other signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
Dizziness or "seeing stars"
A witness may observe these signs and symptoms in the concussed person:
Temporary loss of consciousness (though this doesn't always occur)
Slurred speech
Delayed response to questions
Dazed appearance
Forgetfulness, such as repeatedly asking the same question
You may have some symptoms of concussions immediately, and some can occur for days after the injury, such as:
Concentration and memory complaints
Irritability and other personality changes
Sensitivity to light and noise
Sleep disturbances
Psychological adjustment problems and depression
Disorders of taste and smell
Head trauma is very common in young children. But concussions can be difficult to recognize in infants and toddlers because they can't describe how they feel. Concussion clues may include:
Dazed appearance
Listlessness and tiring easily
Irritability and crankiness
Loss of balance and unsteady walking
Excessive crying
Change in eating or sleeping patterns
Lack of interest in favorite toys
Vomiting
Seizures
Headache Dizziness Confusion Memory Loss Difficulty Concentrating
Behavior or personality changes
Blank stare, dazed look
Changes to balance, coordination, or reaction time
Delayed or slowed spoken or physical responses
Disorientation (confused about time, date, location, game)
Loss of consciousness (blackout) (occurs in less than 10 percent of people with concussion)
Memory loss of event before, during, or after injury occurred
Slurred/unclear speech
Trouble controlling emotions
Vomiting
Find two of AAN information sheets here:
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
It is essential to recognize and properly manage concussions because they can have serious consequences if not treated appropriately. If you suspect someone has a concussion, they should seek medical attention immediately. Rest and avoiding activities that could worsen the injury are typically recommended during the recovery period. In the case of sports-related concussions, a gradual return to physical and cognitive activities under medical supervision is usually advised. Full recovery from a concussion varies from person to person and may take weeks, months, to years, depending on a outstanding number of factors.
