Injury of the Week - Concussion

Concussions occur as a result of a direct blow or trauma to the head and affect more than 300,000 athletes a year.  A forceful blow can cause the brain to suddenly slide to the inner wall of the skull becoming bruised.  Concussions are generally categorized as mild or severe.   A mild concussion is diagnosed when there is little to no loss of consciousness after the traumatic event.  Severe concussions may involve prolonged loss of consciousness with a delayed return to normal.

Memory is often affected and it may be difficult for the person to remember events just before, during and immediately following the injury.  In severe cases the following symptoms may also be seen:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Unusual eye movements

Other symptoms may appear in the hours or days following the injury and should precipitate a visit to the doctor.  These symptoms are:

• Poor concentration ability
• Increased sensitivity to sound and lights
• Difficulty with gait coordination
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Loss of smell or taste

Repeated head injuries may have the potential for future problems as a person ages. 

The doctor will perform an examination on a concussed patient and is likely to perform a CT scan or MRI if sufficient symptoms exist. 

Treating a concussion:

Rest is the most important thing for any person to do to properly recover from a concussion.  A gradual return to activity is generally approved once the symptoms subside, although if severe, symptoms may linger or recur if physcial activity is begun too quickly. 

Generally it's safe to follow the following parameters:

1st concussion - 7 days or until all symptoms are gone

2nd concussion - 3 weeks or until no symptoms are experienced

3rd concussion - up to 6 months