A concussion results from a significant blow to the head. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can include:
* Headache * Loss of consciousness * Memory loss (amnesia) of events surrounding the injury
Emergency signs:
* Altered level of consciousness (drowsy, hard to arouse, or similar changes) * Convulsions * Muscle weakness on one or both sides * Persistent confusion * Persistent unconsciousness (coma) * Repeated vomiting * Unequal pupils * Unusual eye movements * Walking problems
Exams and Tests
A neurological examination may show abnormalities.
Tests that may be performed include:
* Head CT * MRI of the head
Treatment
An initial "baseline" neurological evaluation by a health care worker determines appropriate treatment for an uncomplicated concussion. If a blow to the head during athletics leads to a bad headache, a feeling of being confused (dazed), or unconsciousness, a trained person must determine when the person can return to playing sports.
If a child or young adult has lost consciousness, that person should not play sports for a period of 3 months. Studies have shown that there is an increased rate of brain injury and occasionally death in people who have had a previous concussion with unconsciousness.
Concussion complicated by bleeding or brain damage must be treated in a hospital.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Full recovery is expected from an uncomplicated concussion, although prolonged dizziness, irritability, headaches, and other symptoms may occur.
Possible Complications
* Brain injury * Intracerebral hemorrhage
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if anyone has a head injury that produces unconsciousness, or a head injury without unconsciousness that produces symptoms that cause concern.
Call 911 or go the emergency room if emergency signs develop.
Prevention
Attention to safety, including the use of appropriate athletic gear, such as bike helmets and seat belts, reduces the risk of head injury.
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timeasmymeasure
Concussions
Date: 2008-09-01 12:59 am (UTC)A concussion results from a significant blow to the head. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can include:
* Headache
* Loss of consciousness
* Memory loss (amnesia) of events surrounding the injury
Emergency signs:
* Altered level of consciousness (drowsy, hard to arouse, or similar changes)
* Convulsions
* Muscle weakness on one or both sides
* Persistent confusion
* Persistent unconsciousness (coma)
* Repeated vomiting
* Unequal pupils
* Unusual eye movements
* Walking problems
Exams and Tests
A neurological examination may show abnormalities.
Tests that may be performed include:
* Head CT
* MRI of the head
Treatment
An initial "baseline" neurological evaluation by a health care worker determines appropriate treatment for an uncomplicated concussion. If a blow to the head during athletics leads to a bad headache, a feeling of being confused (dazed), or unconsciousness, a trained person must determine when the person can return to playing sports.
If a child or young adult has lost consciousness, that person should not play sports for a period of 3 months. Studies have shown that there is an increased rate of brain injury and occasionally death in people who have had a previous concussion with unconsciousness.
Concussion complicated by bleeding or brain damage must be treated in a hospital.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Full recovery is expected from an uncomplicated concussion, although prolonged dizziness, irritability, headaches, and other symptoms may occur.
Possible Complications
* Brain injury
* Intracerebral hemorrhage
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if anyone has a head injury that produces unconsciousness, or a head injury without unconsciousness that produces symptoms that cause concern.
Call 911 or go the emergency room if emergency signs develop.
Prevention
Attention to safety, including the use of appropriate athletic gear, such as bike helmets and seat belts, reduces the risk of head injury.
References
Ropper, AH, Gorson, KC. Clinical Practice; Concussion. N Engl J Med. 2007; 356: 166-172.
Update Date: 2/19/2008