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