A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury resulting from a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly. This movement can cause the brain to impact the skull, leading to temporary changes in brain function. While concussions are generally not life-threatening, their effects can be serious and may last for days, weeks, or longer. This article provides information on recognizing potential concussions and initial steps, but a definitive diagnosis and treatment always require professional medical evaluation. This information is for awareness and guidance, not self-diagnosis or treatment.
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms
Concussions can manifest through a variety of signs and symptoms that may affect physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep functions. Physical indicators often include headaches or a feeling of pressure in the head, dizziness, and nausea or vomiting. Some individuals may also experience blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, or ringing in the ears.
Cognitive symptoms can involve confusion, feeling “foggy,” or difficulty concentrating and remembering new information. Amnesia, particularly regarding the event that caused the injury, is also a common sign. Emotionally, a person might become unusually irritable, sad, or experience other personality changes. Sleep patterns can be disrupted, leading to drowsiness or trouble falling asleep. These symptoms can appear immediately after the injury or develop hours to days later.
Immediate Actions and Basic Screening
When a concussion is suspected, immediate action is important, starting with removing the individual from any ongoing activity, especially sports. Even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, it is prudent to assume a concussion has occurred. Observing for red-flag symptoms that necessitate immediate emergency care is a priority. These include loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds, a headache that worsens over time, repeated vomiting, seizures, or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears.
In the absence of these severe signs, basic, non-diagnostic screening can be performed. This might involve asking simple questions about the event, recent memory (e.g., “What happened right before you got hit?”), or disorientation (e.g., “What day is it?”). Simple balance checks, such as observing if the person can stand steadily, can also provide clues. These initial observations and questions are not meant to diagnose a concussion but rather to help determine the need for prompt medical attention.
Professional Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
Professional medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate concussion diagnosis. Healthcare providers begin with a detailed history of the injury, gathering information about the incident and symptom onset. This is followed by a neurological examination, assessing vision, hearing, strength, sensation, balance, coordination, and reflexes.
Cognitive testing is an important component, evaluating mental skills like memory, concentration, attention, and processing speed. These tests can involve computer-based assessments or paper-and-pencil tasks. Imaging techniques like CT scans or MRI do not diagnose concussions, as concussions are a functional injury not visible on these scans. However, they are important for ruling out more serious conditions like bleeding in the brain, swelling, or skull fractures. Imaging is reserved for cases with worsening symptoms or specific red flags.
Post-Diagnosis Care and Recovery
Once a concussion is diagnosed, recovery emphasizes physical and cognitive rest initially. While complete rest in a dark room is no longer recommended, limiting brain-straining activities like extensive screen time, reading, or complex problem-solving is advised for the first 24 to 48 hours. Light physical activity, like short walks, can be introduced gradually if symptoms do not worsen.
Recovery is individualized, with most symptoms resolving within a few weeks for adults and up to a month for younger individuals. A gradual return to normal activities, including school, work, and sports, should occur under medical guidance. This stepwise progression ensures activities are reintroduced only as tolerated, with close monitoring for any symptom return or worsening. Follow-up appointments are important to track progress and adjust the recovery plan as needed.