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Concussion

Concussion is a common term for a traumatic brain injury, which can be mild to severe. Most concussions are caused by a direct blow to the head but can also occur when the head is violently shaken. Loss of consciousness may occur with a concussion but is not a typical feature of most concussions. During a concussion, there are biochemical changes within the brain that cause temporary or even longstanding injury. Repetitive concussions can result in permanent changes in personality and cognitive abilities. After a concussion, emergency care should be sought immediately. Post-concussion syndrome is a term used to describe persistent symptoms that continue for weeks to months after the occurrence.

Risk Factors

  • Contact sports – football, hockey, and soccer

Symptoms

Symptoms at the onset of a concussion:

  • Headache at the time of injury or with delayed onset
  • Temporary loss of consciousness
  • Confusion or “brain fog”
  • Amnesia for the traumatic event
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Slurred speech or slowing of speech
  • Fatigue
  • Seizures
  • Pupillary asymmetry
  • Changes in speech

Delayed features of a concussion:

  • Concentration difficulty
  • Persistent memory deficits
  • Difficulty with visual tracking
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Abnormal sense of smell and taste
  • Worsening of headache
  • Increased irritability

Treatment

  • When a concussion is suspected during a sporting event, that player should be immediately removed from play and not allowed to play again until evaluated by a healthcare professional.
  • Time
  • Rest – limiting cognitive activities, avoiding visual stimulation (no TV or electronic games), obtaining adequate sleep, and adequate hydration
  • Prolonged symptoms after concussion can be treated with a variety of medications and therapies. If you have symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks after concussion, you should seek care with a physician.

Resources

  • Mayo Clinic
  • National Library of Medicine
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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Locations

Fairfax Office
3020 Hamaker Ct, Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22031

703-876-0800 | Fax: 703-876-0866
Reston Office
1830 Town Center Drive, Suite 305
Reston, VA 20190

703-876-0800 | Fax: 703-876-0866
Sleep Diagnostic and Treatment Center
3020 Hamaker Ct, Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22031

703-876-2850 | Fax: 703-207-9527
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