Information on Concussion with its Signs

A concussion is a momentary loss of consciousness and brain function that occurs after a blow to the head. The unconsciousness can last for several seconds, minutes or hours. A person with a concussion can have a full recovery. Recovery usually occurs within a day. In most cases, if damage occurs, it is mild or insignificant. If you believe you have a concussion, you should see medical treatment.

Doctors use the term concussion to describe an injury to the brain that results from an impact to the head. By definition, a concussion is not a life–threatening injury, but it can cause both short–term and long–term problems. A concussion results from a closed–head type of injury. Concussions do not include injuries where there is bleeding under the skull or into the brain.

The brain floats in cerebrospinal fluid and is encased in the skull. These protections allow it to withstand many of the minor injuries that occur in day to day life. However, if there is sufficient force to cause the brain to bounce against the rigid bones of the skull, then there is potential for injury. It is the acceleration and deceleration of the brain against the inside of the skull that can cause the brain to be irritated and interrupt its function.

A concussion occurs when the head hits or is hit by an object. A concussion can also occur when the brain is pushed against the skull with a strong force. In such cases, parts of the brain that control mental function may be damaged. The injured person may become disoriented (confused) and may briefly lose consciousness.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (actually, it's often now called by that name - MTBI). It's caused by a trauma to the head, most often from a fall, vehicle accident, or sports injury. As with many brain-related issues, there's really a lot we don't know about concussion itself, and exactly what it does to the brain. But we do know that very soon afterwards there are symptoms - usually headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and lethargy. Sometimes there's amnesia, though it usually only lasts for a few hours.

Concussion can be diagnosed and assigned a level of severity based largely on symptoms. Treatment involves monitoring and rest. Symptoms usually go away entirely within three weeks, though they may persist, or complications may occur. Repeated concussions can cause cumulative brain damage such as dementia pugilistica or severe complications such as second-impact syndrome.

On rare occasions, concussions cause more serious problems. Repeated concussions or a severe concussion may require surgery or lead to long-lasting problems with movement, learning, or speaking. Because of the small chance of permanent brain problems, it is important to contact a doctor if you or someone you know has symptoms of a concussion.

Danger Signs
Most children with a concussion recover without any problems. However, in rare cases a blood clot can develop in the brain after a head injury. Danger signs include a bad headache that keeps getting worse; increasing weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination; worsening nausea or repeated vomiting; speech problems, especially slurred speech; increasing confusion or agitation; or inability to wake up a sleeping child.