A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs from a jolt or blow to the head or body. This type of injury temporarily affects the brain’s normal functioning. While concussions are often not life-threatening, their effects can range from short-term to longer-lasting issues.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a functional injury, meaning it disrupts how the brain works rather than causing visible structural damage like bleeding or bruising on standard imaging tests. When a sudden force impacts the head or body, the brain, which floats in cerebrospinal fluid within the skull, can move rapidly and even strike the inner walls of the skull. This forceful movement can stretch and injure nerve cells and blood vessels, leading to temporary chemical changes within the brain. These alterations interfere with the brain’s ability to send messages efficiently.
The Force Behind Self-Inflicted Concussions
It is possible to self-inflict a concussion if sufficient force is applied to the head or body. The brain does not distinguish the source of the impact; the mechanism of injury remains the same whether the force comes from an external source or a self-generated action. Concussions primarily result from rapid acceleration-deceleration forces, where the head suddenly speeds up and then abruptly stops or changes direction. This causes the brain to violently move within the skull, leading to injury.
Research indicates that concussions generally occur with linear acceleration forces around 70 to 120 Gs in adults, though some studies have recorded concussions at impacts as low as 60 Gs. For context, a 90-100 G force is roughly equivalent to the head striking a wall at 20 miles per hour. Rotational forces, which cause the brain to twist within the skull, can also contribute significantly to concussions. These forces can result from actions like violently shaking the head or intentionally hitting one’s head against a hard surface.
Recognizing the Signs
Concussion symptoms can manifest immediately after an injury or be delayed, appearing hours or even days later. The symptoms can vary in type and severity among individuals.
Physical indicators include:
Headaches
Pressure in the head
Neck pain
Dizziness
Balance problems
Nausea
Vomiting
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to sound
Cognitive symptoms include:
Confusion
Feeling “foggy”
Difficulty concentrating
Memory issues (especially regarding the event)
Slowed thinking
Trouble processing information
Emotional changes can also occur, such as:
Irritability
Mood swings
Anxiety
Sadness
Sleep disturbances, including drowsiness, trouble falling asleep, or sleeping more or less than usual, are also common.
Immediate Steps and Medical Attention
If a concussion is suspected, seeking medical attention is important, regardless of how the injury occurred. A medical evaluation helps rule out more serious brain injuries, such as bleeding or swelling, that may not be apparent otherwise. Doctors can provide a diagnosis and guidance on recovery, as early management can prevent prolonged symptoms or complications.
Rest, both physical and cognitive, is important for initial concussion recovery. This involves reducing activities that require brain energy, such as screen time and intense thinking, for the first 24 to 48 hours to allow the brain to heal. Gradually returning to normal activities under medical supervision is recommended, as avoiding further head trauma during recovery is important to prevent further injury.