It is an injury to the brain that can cause a severe headache or loss of consciousness .
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
In the United States , more than one million cases of concussion occur each year. A concussion can occur when the head hits an object or a moving object hit the head. Concussions can result from falls, sports activities, and car accidents. Significant jerking of the brain in any direction can cause unconsciousness. How long the person is unconscious can be an indication of the severity of the concussion. Victims often have no memory of the events that preceded the injury or that occurred immediately after regaining consciousness.and more severe injuries produce longer periods of amnesia. Generally, a person’s maximum memory loss occurs immediately after the injury. Some of this memory is being recovered as time passes; however, full recall of the event may never occur. There may be bleeding in or around the brain with any impact to the head, whether or not unconsciousness is present. If a person has received a blow to the head , they should be closely watched for signs that indicate possible brain injury.. Things to watch for may include repetitive vomiting, uneven pupils, confused mental state or varying levels of consciousness, seizure-like activities, weakness on one side of the body, or an inability to wake up from a coma . If any of these signs occur, seek immediate medical assistance.
Symptoms
A concussion is the result of a significant blow to the head. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of memory amnesia about events surrounding the injury
- Headache
Signs of emergency
- Persistent unconsciousness (coma)
- Altered level of consciousness (sleepy, difficult to awaken, or similar changes)
- Persistent confusion
- Seizures
- Repetitive vomiting
- Uneven pupils
- Unusual eye movements
- Muscle weakness on one or both sides
- Gait or walking abnormalities
Signs and tests
A neurological exam can show abnormalities. The tests that can be performed are:
- Computerized axial tomography of the head
- Head MRI
Treatment
The doctor does an “initial” neurological evaluation to determine treatment for an uncomplicated concussion. If a blow to the head during a sporting activity causes a severe headache, a feeling of confusion (lightheadedness), or loss of consciousness, a trained person must determine when the athlete can return to play. If a child or young adult has lost consciousness, they should not resume their sports activities for a period of three months. Studies have shown that there is an increase in the rate of brain injuries and occasional deaths in people who have suffered previous concussions with loss of consciousness. A concussion complicated with bleeding or brain damage should be treated in a hospital.
Forecast
If the concussion was uncomplicated, a full recovery is expected, although prolonged lightheadedness, irritability, headache, and other symptoms may occur.
Complications
- Intracerebral hemorrhage
- Brain injury
Prevention
Paying attention to safety measures, such as wearing proper athletic equipment such as bicycle helmets and seat belts, reduces the risk of a head injury.