Concussion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A concussion is a mild brain injury triggered by a sudden impact or jolt to the head. It occurs when the impact makes the head and brain move rapidly back and forth. People describe them as having a momentary loss of consciousness. Although they are not life-threatening, concussions can have serious effects that can last for a few days. A single concussion may not cause permanent brain damage, but multiple concussions in a lifetime can alter your brain’s structure and how it works.

Causes of Concussion

When something jolts or shakes your body violently with a force strong enough to make your brain move back and forth or side to side, a concussion happens. The brain is soft and spongy, surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid that serves as a protective cushion between the brain and the skull. However, if the knock is hard, it makes the brain jiggle. The force twists and damages the tiny nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Sometimes, the brain tissues start to leak.

The common causes of concussion are:

• A fall / Hit by a moving object / Hit against a hard object.
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Physical violence, like fights and assaults
• Sports injuries
• Injury in a blast or explosion

Symptoms of Concussion

Concussions cause chemical changes that temporarily make your brain stop working like it should. The brain will automatically redirect all energy to heal itself after an injury. It will send signals to the other parts of your body to slow down and avoid certain activities. These show up as the symptoms of a concussion. It is the brain telling you to take it easy while it heals. Most concussion symptoms start right away although some people may experience them after hours or even days.

Physical symptoms could include:

• Headache or pressure in your head
• Neck pain
• Balance problems and dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Double vision or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Ringing in your ears
• Sensitivity to sound
• Fainting

The brain tells your body when to sleep and wake up; during an injury, the normal rhythms can be disrupted. So, you may feel:

• Drowsy and fatigued
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Disturbed sleep cycles. Either too much or too little sleep
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Depression or sadness
• Feeling of anxiety or nervousness

Concussion Symptoms in Babies and Children

Babies cannot express themselves, so it is hard to tell how they are feeling. Signs of a concussion may include:

• Fussing or crying more than usual
• Refusing to eat or nurse
• A blank stare
• Being irritable and cranky
• Sudden change in sleep patterns
• A visible bump or bruise on the head
• Dilated pupils

Risk Factors for Concussion

Certain groups and activities have a higher risk of concussion, including:

1. Age: Older adults (65+) and young children (under 4) are more prone to falls.
2. Physically Demanding Jobs: Workers in construction, landscaping, and carpentry face increased head injury risks.
3. Contact Sports: Athletes in football, hockey, rugby, and boxing have a higher chance of concussions.
4. Previous Concussions: Those with prior concussions are more vulnerable to future head injuries.
5. Accidents and Abuse: Car crashes, bike accidents, military combat, and physical abuse increase concussion risks.

Understanding these factors helps in preventing and managing concussions effectively.

Diagnosis of Concussion

If you have a head injury and experience any of the symptoms of a concussion, it is important to see a doctor. The doctor will do a physical and a neurological examination. Sometimes, they even do a concussion test. They will inquire about how the injury occurred and the symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will check your vision, reflexes, hearing, and neck. If the injury is severe, your doctor may perform an MRI or CT scan to evaluate potential brain damage. In case you are experiencing seizures after a concussion, the doctor may perform an electroencephalogram, which monitors brain waves.

Treatment and Recovery

Rest is crucial in the treatment and recovery of a concussion. No intense and physical activities will be permitted. Activities will be added back slowly when symptoms recede.

Concussion treatment varies based on the severity of the symptoms. Most concussions can be healed at home, and treatment includes:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Drinking a lot of water. You may have vomiting, which can dehydrate you.
• Getting a lot of rest
• Taking a break from strenuous activities and any sport
• No driving. Your balance, focus, and coordination are impaired following a concussion.
• Avoiding alcohol
• Allow your brain to rest. This means limiting the use of electronics like TVs, computers, and cell phones.
• Avoiding bright lights and noises

Complications of Concussion

While most concussions heal without long-term issues, some can lead to serious complications, including:

1. Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory issues, and mood swings can persist for weeks or months.
2. Second-Impact Syndrome (SIS): Sustaining another concussion before full recovery can cause rapid brain swelling, which may be fatal.
3. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Repeated concussions can lead to progressive brain degeneration, causing memory loss, confusion, and emotional instability.
4. Mental Health Issues: Concussions can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
5. Cognitive and Physical Impairments: Some may experience chronic headaches, balance issues, and sensitivity to light or sound.
6. Higher Risk of Future Concussions: A prior concussion makes individuals more vulnerable to future head injuries, with potentially worse outcomes.

Recognizing these risks is essential for proper recovery and long-term health.

Preventing Concussions

You can take some safety precautions to prevent concussions. These include:

• Wearing a properly fitted helmet while driving a two-wheeler
• Using safety gear while playing a sport or in athletics
• Following safety guidelines when using equipment, in sports, or when driving
• Wearing seat belts while driving a car
• Making living areas safe for seniors or children

Conclusion

Concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury, and most people recover from them fully. Most concussions heal on their own with rest. It is important to have head injuries evaluated by a doctor. Some concussion symptoms may take weeks or months to disappear. Repeated concussions may increase the chance of permanent brain damage.

Frequently Asked Questions