Concussion Awareness

What are concussions?

A concussion, a type of mild traumatic brain injury, doesn’t show up on standard X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. It alters cognitive abilities and memory, and triggers various symptoms. Any impact to the head, face, neck, or body that jolts the head can lead to a concussion. Symptoms typically include headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, balance issues, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Concussions typically result from impacts to the head or body that affect brain function.

Several factors increase the risk of concussion:

– Falls, especially common among children and older adults
– Participation in contact sports
– Insufficient safety gear or supervision during contact sports
– Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or similar incidents resulting in head trauma
– Physical assault or injury from being struck with an object
– Military service
– Previous history of concussion

Signs and symptoms

Concussions can be challenging to diagnose as they may not immediately show visible signs like cuts or bruises. Symptoms can appear days or weeks after the injury, and their duration varies—from seconds to lingering effects. Recognizing the signs promptly is crucial for appropriate treatment and recovery management. The duration of concussion symptoms typically spans up to four weeks, but recovery may extend longer, sometimes taking weeks or even months. Individuals who have experienced prior concussions might require more time to heal with subsequent incidents.

Physical:
  • Headache
  • Pressure in the head
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Balance problems
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Drowsiness
Sleep-related:
  • Sleeping more or less than usual
  • Difficulty falling asleep
Cognitive:
  • Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Feeling slowed down
  • Feeling like you’re in a fog
  • Problems concentrating
  • Memory problems
Emotional:
  • Easily upset or angered
  • Sadness
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Increased emotional sensitivity

Suspect a concussion?

If a concussion is suspected, it’s essential to immediately cease all activities. Continuing could heighten the risk of more severe and prolonged concussion symptoms, as well as increase the likelihood of further injury. It’s crucial for anyone suspected of having a concussion to seek evaluation by a medical doctor. The doctor may assess coordination and reflexes, which are controlled by the central nervous system. They might also recommend a CT scan or MRI to rule out bleeding or other significant brain injuries.

Emergency signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:

( If any of these symptoms are present after a head injury, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. )

  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Persistent paleness for over 1 hour
  • Behavioral changes
  • Confusion (difficulty recognizing people or places)
  • Slurred speech
  • Impaired mental function
  • Stumbling or clumsiness
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Dilated pupils
  • Persistent ringing in the ears
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Unrelenting dizziness
  • No improvement in condition
  • Loss of consciousness for more than 30 seconds
  • Intensifying headache
  • Fluid or blood discharge from the nose or ears
  • Neck pain or tenderness
  • Double vision
  • Increasing restlessness, agitation, or combativeness
  • Growing confusion

Concussion Treatment

  1. Rest and Gradual Return to Activity: Allow yourself adequate time to heal without overexertion. Adjust activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as watching TV or texting excessively. Hydration is important, and alcohol should be avoided.
  2. Medical Supervision: Concussion care may involve various treatments tailored to symptom management, overseen by a team of healthcare professionals depending on the severity of symptoms and recovery progress.
  3. Home Recovery: If hospitalization isn’t necessary, patients can usually recover at home. It’s crucial to follow doctor’s instructions and seek follow-up medical attention within 24 to 72 hours if symptoms worsen.

Concussion Recovery

  • Phase 1 – Acute Symptomatic: Lasting less than three days from injury, focus on rest, hydration, and normal eating habits. Seek immediate medical help if emergency symptoms persist.
  • Phase 2 – Recovery: As symptoms improve, gradually increase physical and mental activities, taking breaks as needed. Follow medical advice on returning to sports or requiring accommodations at school or work.
  • Phase 3 – Recovered: Full recovery timelines vary but typically range from 14 days for adults to 30 days for minors. Symptom severity influences recovery duration, with milestones like returning to school, work, and physical activities.

Concussion Complications

Post-Concussive Syndrome: Persistent symptoms beyond expected recovery may include concentration issues, memory problems, headaches, mood changes, and sleep disturbances lasting weeks to months. Avoid activities that risk repeat concussions if symptoms persist. Following concussion protocols, tailored to individual needs and recovery stages, promotes safe and effective rehabilitation. For children, these protocols may involve shorter school days and adjusted assignments during recovery.