A mild concussion can cause variable symptoms such as confusion, amnesia, and headache, and is typically caused by non-penetrating head injuries from accidents or contact sports. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent brain damage or death from second impact syndrome. Rest and observation are recommended for treatment, and medical advice should be sought before resuming physical activity.
The specific symptoms associated with a mild concussion can vary depending on the concussion assessment system used. Variable symptoms of a mild concussion include brief confusion, posttraumatic amnesia, and mild headache. Loss of consciousness is a symptom that should never occur with a mild concussion.
A mild concussion can be caused by non-penetrating injuries that occur from a blow to the head, acceleration and deceleration forces. The most common situations in which non-penetrating head injuries occur are contact sports and accidents. Many concussion degree systems use Roman numerals, with mild concussion classified as grade I and grade V being the most severe.
Sometimes, the symptoms of a mild concussion aren’t immediately recognizable until physical or cognitive impairment such as confusion or amnesia occurs. One of the most common telltale signs of a mild concussion is temporary confusion in the form of poor concentration, an inability to process information or perform tasks sequentially. Typically, in a mild concussion, the confusion lasts up to 15 minutes.
Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) sometimes occurs immediately after a mild concussion. With a mild concussion, the PTA is usually temporary, lasting from seconds to minutes. An individual experiencing a brief PTA due to a mild concussion is often unable to recall previously familiar details, such as names, time, surroundings, and events, following the injury. Confusion and PTA should not be accompanied by a loss of consciousness in a mild concussion. The degree of a concussion should be reevaluated if loss of consciousness occurs, if a severe headache is present, or if confusion or PTA persists for more than 15 minutes.
Proper diagnosis of a mild concussion is essential to prevent brain damage or death from second impact syndrome (SIS). In most cases involving SIS, massive cerebral edema occurs immediately after impact, leading to death or severe neurological damage after the victim suffers a second concussion of any degree. For this reason, even a minor concussion must be able to heal properly before resuming normal physical activities.
Treatment for symptoms of a mild concussion typically involves rest and observation. Depending on individual factors, a mild concussion could take up to a week to heal. The complete absence of symptoms of a mild concussion is generally a sign that the concussion has healed. A person is advised to seek professional medical advice before engaging in any physical activity, such as sports, after suffering a minor concussion.
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