Concussion: causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Concussion: causes, diagnosis, and treatment

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when there is an impact on your head. When an injury causes your head and brain to shake quickly back and forth, a concussion happens. 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 tissue is soft and squishy and surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid which acts like a liquid 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, thee normal rhythms can be disrupted. So, you may feel:

• Drowsy and fatigued
• Trouble in falling or staying asleep
• Disturbed sleep cycles. Either too much or too less of 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

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 ask you how the injury happened and what symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will check your vision, reflexes, hearing, and neck. In case of a serious injury, your doctor may order an MRI scan or a CT scan of your brain to check for 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.

The treatment for a concussion depends 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
• Allowing your brain to rest. This means limiting the use of electronics like TVs, computers, and cell phones.
• Avoiding bright lights and noises

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

Concussions are 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

1, What is a concussion?

A blow to the head, neck, or body that leads to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or confusion. Concussions are a result of microscopic injuries to the brain.

2. What happens during a concussion?

A blow to the head, neck, or body, causes the brain to move quickly back and forth inside the skull. Sometimes a brain twist occurs damaging and causing shearing of the brain nerve fibres. Chemical function changes occur and many symptoms can be seen.

3. How common are concussions?

Concussions are extremely common. The most common cause of concussions is vehicular accidents. They are also caused by falls in the elderly and infants. Sports activities can also cause concussions.

4. What is the treatment for a concussion?

Treatment is given for various symptoms which include physical, emotional, and cognitive. The most important treatment is to take rest after a concussion. Rest helps the brain heal. You must resume your normal routine very gradually.

5. Can a person recover from a concussion?

Each person recovers from a concussion differently. Recovery depends on factors such as the person’s age, severity of the concussion, past concussions, and rest post a concussion. If managed correctly, concussions recover successfully.