A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken or jolted inside the skull due to a blow or impact to the head or body. In addition to affecting the brain's normal functioning, concussions can also result in a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related problems. Anyone can get a concussion, but contact sports, falls, and accidents are more common causes. Medical history, symptoms, and tests can be used to diagnose a concussion. A concussion can be treated by resting the brain and body, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and taking medications as prescribed by a doctor. Wearing protective gear, following safety rules, and avoiding risky behaviors can help prevent concussions.
Causes of Concussion
A concussion occurs when the head is suddenly accelerated or decelerated, causing the brain to move inside the skull. This can damage brain cells and cause chemical changes in the brain.
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An individual can sustain a concussion by receiving a hit to the head or body during a sport such as football, hockey, soccer, boxing, or rugby. The risk of concussion increases if the player does not wear proper protective equipment.
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The most common cause of concussions is falling and hitting one's head on the ground or another object. It can happen to anyone, but especially to older adults or children who are more prone to falls.
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When someone's head hits the windshield, dashboard, or airbag in a car accident, they can suffer a concussion. Whiplash injuries can also result from the force of the collision.
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An assault can cause a concussion when another person strikes them in the head with a weapon, fist, or object. Domestic violence and child abuse can also lead to concussions.
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Military personnel and civilians who are near explosive devices may suffer concussions when exposed to explosions that create a blast wave that affects the head and brain.
Symptoms of Concussion
The symptoms of concussion vary depending on the severity of the injury and the person affected. While some people may not experience any symptoms, some may experience severe or persistent symptoms. The symptoms of concussion may appear immediately after the injury or may be delayed for hours or days. Some of the common symptoms of concussion include:
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The headache is one of the most common and persistent symptoms of concussion. It may be mild or severe, and it may worsen with physical or mental activity.
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Motion, light, or sound can trigger nausea and vomiting, which is another common symptom of concussion.
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Concussion symptoms such as dizziness and balance problems can affect a person's ability to stand, walk, or perform other tasks. These symptoms may also include blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or sensitivity to light.
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A concussion can cause confusion and memory loss, which affects a person's awareness, orientation, concentration, and recall. It is possible for the person to have trouble following instructions or conversations after the injury, or to not remember what happened before or after it.
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This may affect the person's emotions, personality, or social interactions after a concussion. The person may become more irritable, anxious, depressed, or aggressive than usual, or may have difficulty controlling their impulses or emotions.
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Symptoms of concussion include sleep disturbances, nightmares, and vivid dreams. The person may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping more or less than usual.
Diagnosis of Concussion
A doctor will examine a patient's medical history, symptoms, and circumstances to diagnose a concussion. Additionally, the doctor will perform a physical examination to look for signs of neurological damage, including pupil size, eye movement, reflexes, sensation, strength, coordination, and balance. In addition to ordering tests, the doctor may also rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as bleeding in the brain (hematoma), skull fractures, or infection. The following tests may be performed:
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A blood test can detect signs of inflammation (such as C-reactive protein), infection (such as white blood cell count), anemia (such as hemoglobin) or other conditions (such as glucose) that may affect brain function.
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The brain and skull can be imaged using X-rays (such as a skull X-ray), magnetic fields (such as an MRI scan), sound waves (such as an ultrasound scan), or radioactive substances (such as a PET scan). It is possible to detect structural damage or anomalies in the brain or skull resulting from a concussion using these tests.
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With the use of various tasks and questions, neuropsychological tests can assess a person's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. A concussion can affect a person's memory, attention, concentration, reasoning, problem-solving, language, mood, and personality, which can be measured with these tests.
Treatment of Concussion
Treatment options for concussion depend on the severity of the injury and the symptoms. The main goal of treatment is to allow the brain to heal and recover.
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Concussions can be treated with rest, which is the most important and effective treatment. It helps reduce symptoms and prevents further damage to the brain and body. Any activity that worsens the symptoms or requires concentration, such as sports, exercise, work, school, driving, reading, or using electronic devices, should be avoided. Alcohol, drugs, and caffeine should also be avoided by the person if they affect brain function. Under the guidance of their doctor, the person should gradually resume their normal activities as their symptoms improve.
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People with concussions should not take medications prescribed by their doctor or those that are safe to use with a concussion. These medications may help treat headaches, nausea, or pain. It is important to avoid medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or sedatives, which may increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with brain function.
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Treatment can be used to treat some of the long-term effects of concussion, such as cognitive impairment, emotional distress, or behavioral problems. Physical therapy (to improve balance and coordination), occupational therapy (to improve daily functioning and skills), speech therapy (to improve communication and language), cognitive therapy (to improve memory and thinking), or psychotherapy (to improve mood and coping) may be beneficial to the individual.
Prevention of Concussion
In some cases, concussions may not be preventable, especially if they are caused by unpredictable events like accidents or assaults. However, certain measures can help reduce the risks of concussions, such as:
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If you are involved in activities involving contact or impact, such as sports, biking, skating, or riding a motorcycle, wearing protective gear can prevent or minimize head injuries. According to the instructions and regulations, protective gear should fit properly and be worn correctly. You should wear a helmet that covers your head and forehead, and has a chin strap to keep it secure.
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Injuries or accidents that may cause concussions can be prevented or avoided by following safety rules. Safety rules may vary depending on the activity or situation, but they generally include following traffic laws and signals, wearing seatbelts in vehicles, using child safety seats for infants and toddlers, not texting or talking on the phone while driving, obeying signs and warnings in public places, and reporting hazards.
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Drinking excessive alcohol, taking drugs, fighting, or engaging in illegal activities are all risky behaviors that can increase the risk of getting a concussion.
