Concussion – Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment

Concussion is a change in mental status caused by trauma (shock). It is accompanied by confusion, loss of memory, and, sometimes, loss of consciousness.

Types
Simple concussion: In a simple concussion, the person the symptoms gradually resolve, and the patient returns to normal function in 7 – 10 days.
Complex concussion: In complex concussions, symptoms persist and thought processes are affected. Patients with repeated concussions would fall into the complex category.
Causes
Your brain is a soft organ that is surrounded by spinal fluid and protected by your hard skull. Normally, the fluid around your brain acts like a cushion that keeps your brain from banging into your skull. However, if your head or your body is hit unexpectedly hard, your brain can suddenly crash into your skull and temporarily stop working normally.

A concussion may result when the head hits an object or a moving object strikes the head. A concussion can result from a fall, sports activities, and car accidents. Significant movement of the brain (jarring) in any direction can cause unconsciousness. How long a person remains unconscious may indicate the severity of the concussion.

Symptoms
Anyone who loses consciousness due to trauma has, by definition, a concussion. But your child may have a concussion if, after a head injury, he has a headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea or vomiting. These are the early symptoms of a concussion.

The symptoms that will usually immediately follow a concussion may include a headachy feeling, abnormal sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, lack of feeling or emotion, anxiety, blurred vision, vomiting, and the inability to remember events prior to the injury. If the period of unconsciousness is prolonged the symptoms may be more persistent and severe. In cases of repeated concussion such as that found in boxers, damage to the brain, impaired concentration, slurred speech, slow thinking and the punch drunk syndrome are possible.

Some of the symptoms described above will last only an hour or two and others may last longer, say a week or more. In addition, people with a concussion may develop new symptoms once they go home from the Emergency Room or doctor’s office. Many concussed individuals report trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. Some also have trouble with irritability. Another delayed symptom is poor concentration, especially for reading.

Most minor head injuries improve with rest and observation. Headache and neck pains can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brand names) instead of anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brand names) or naproxen (Aleve) because acetaminophen is less likely to cause bleeding.

In a small percentage of cases, minor head trauma can lead to serious injury such as bruising or bleeding within the brain. Treating this sometimes requires emergency surgery or medications given intravenously (into a vein) to prevent swelling of the brain.

Some people feel normal again in just a few hours while, for others, symptoms may linger for several weeks or even several months. The key is to allow yourself time to recuperate and to gradual return to your normal activities. Also. . .don't neglect contacting your doctor if you don't improve as expected or if you appear to be getting worse instead of improving.