Concussion is a brain injury caused by a sudden stop of the skull, which can cause physical damage to the brain and a variety of symptoms. Repeated concussions can lead to neurological problems later in life. Symptoms include confusion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and amnesia. It’s important to monitor the patient until they are stable, as they are at risk of seizures, bleeding inside the skull, and swelling of the brain. Treatment involves rest and medical imaging studies to check for complications.
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a shaking of the brain within the skull following a head injury. The most common cause of a concussion is a blow or impact that slams the brain into part of the skull. Often, a so-called “contrecoup” injury occurs when the brain bounces against the opposite side of the skull after the initial impact. The severity of a concussion can vary, and you may need to see a neurologist for evaluation and treatment.
The skull is designed to act like a large padded box for the brain and generally does a great job of protecting the brain from injury. However, when the skull comes to a sudden stop, the laws of physics still apply and the brain will remain in motion until it encounters an obstacle in the shape of the inside of the skull. Researchers are divided on whether or not concussion causes actual physical damage to the brain, but they acknowledge that concussion can cause a variety of symptoms. Additionally, people who experience repeated concussions, such as athletes in contact sports, are at a higher risk of developing neurological problems later in life.
Sometimes, the patient loses consciousness after the blow. In other cases, the patient remains alert. Someone with a concussion will experience symptoms such as confusion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and amnesia. It’s also possible to develop post-concussion syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, frequent headaches, confusion, and sensitivity to light that can persist for up to a year. While people are experiencing symptoms, it is usually advised to avoid contact sports and strenuous exertion.
There are some risks to a concussion, making it important to monitor the patient until they are stable. Sometimes people develop seizures after such injuries. They are also at risk of bleeding inside the skull and swelling of the brain. It’s also possible for initial symptoms to be treated as signs of a concussion when in fact they’re caused by a more serious brain contusion, where the brain is actually physically damaged.
If someone is at risk for concussion and shows telltale signs, they should be taken to a doctor for treatment. The doctor can evaluate the patient and make treatment recommendations. The primary treatment of concussion is simply rest to give the brain and body a chance to recover. However, medical imaging studies may be done to check for signs of concussion complications, such as swelling, so they can be addressed promptly.
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