A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This rapid movement causes brain tissue to change shape, which can stretch and damage brain cells. This damage also causes chemical and metabolic changes within the brain cells, making it more difficult for cells to function and communicate. Since the brain is the body’s control center, the effects of a concussion can be far-reaching. Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but the effects of a concussion can change a life and the injury should be treated seriously.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion are incredibly important because a concussion doesn’t show up on imaging like an X-ray, CT, or MRI scan and there is no objective test that can determine if a patient has a concussion. A doctor makes a concussion diagnosis based on the results of a comprehensive examination, which includes observing signs of concussion and patients reporting symptoms of concussion appearing after an impact to the head or body. Common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Feeling more emotional, irritable, or anxious than usual
Its important to note that the effects of a concussion can be temporary, but they can also be long-lasting and have a lasting effect on thinking, attention, learning, and memory. A single concussion is also known to raise the risk of having another concussion, and a second concussion may be more severe. Therefore, its important to learn to recognize the causes and symptoms of concussion so you can take steps to prevent or treat these head injuries.
