|
|
ConcussionDefinition A concussion is a brain injury that may result in a bad headache or unconsciousness. See also: Concussion - first aid Causes, incidence, and risk factors There are more than a million cases of concussions each year in the United States. A concussion may result when the head hits an object or a moving object strikes the head. A concusison can result from a fall, sports activities, and car accidents. Significant movement of the brain (jarring) in any direction can cause unconsciousness. How long a person remains unconscious may indicate the severity of the concussion. Often victims have no memory of events preceding the injury, or immediately after regaining consciousness. More severe head injuries can cause longer periods of memory loss (amnesia). Usually, a person has the most memory loss immediately after getting hurt. Some of the memory comes back as time goes by. However, complete memory recovery for the event may not occur. Bleeding into or around the brain can occur with any blow to the head, whether or not unconsciousness occurs. If someone has received a blow to the head, they should be watched closely for signs of possible brain damage. Things to watch for include repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, confused mental state or varying levels of consciousness, seizure-like activity, weakness on one side of the body or the inability to wake up (coma). If any of these signs are present, immediately call your health care provider. Symptoms A concussion results from a significant blow to the head. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can include:
Emergency signs:
Signs and tests A neurological examination may show abnormalities. Tests that may be performed include: 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. Expectations (prognosis) Full recovery is expected from an uncomplicated concussion, although prolonged dizziness, irritability, headaches, and other symptoms may occur. Complications
Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if anyone has a head injury that produced unconsciousness, or a head injury without unconsciousness produced symptoms that caused concern. Go to the emergency room, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or contact your health care provider immediately if emergency symptoms 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. Illustrations
Page Content: concussion; concussion symptom; concussion post syndrome; concussion sign; concussion head; concussion mild; concussion head injury; concussion mild symptom; concussion treatment; brain concussion; cerebral concussion; concussion keith richards; concussion post; concussion define; concussion definition; child concussion; concussion post symptom; concussion sign symptom; child concussion in; concussion infant; concussion treat; brain concussion injury post syndrome; concussion head symptom; concussion minor; concussion syndrome; brain concussion injury sign; concussion toddler; baby concussion; concussion grade; concussion effects; concussion effects side; concussion information; care concussion; concussion treating; head trauma concussion; child concussion symptom; concussion grenade; concussion condition more symptom; concussion sleep; 2 concussion grade; concussion headache; 3 concussion grade; concussion severe; aid concussion first; concussion loss problem smell; concussion post symptom syndrome; brain concussion injury; concussion recovery; concussion spinal; baby concussion in sign; concussion incontinence post syndrome; concussion effects long term; concussion sports; child concussion in symptom; concussion headache post; concussion statistics; concussion medicine sports upmc; concussion magazine; concussion management; concussion prevention; concussion slight; concussion test; concussion football helmet; concussion head injury symptom; concussion minor symptom |
   |
