Concussion: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

The symptoms of a concussion can vary widely from person to person and may not always be immediately apparent. Some common symptoms include:

Headache: A headache is one of the most common symptoms of a concussion and may range from mild to severe.
Confusion: Feeling disoriented or confused is another common symptom of a concussion. This may include difficulty concentrating, feeling foggy, or having trouble remembering recent events.
Memory problems: Difficulty remembering events before or after the injury is common with a concussion. This may include gaps in memory or difficulty forming new memories.
Dizziness or balance problems: Feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet is a common symptom of a concussion. You may also have trouble with coordination or balance.
Nausea or vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting may occur after a concussion, especially in the hours following the injury.
Sensitivity to light or noise: Sensitivity to light or noise, also known as photophobia or phonophobia, is common with a concussion.
Fatigue or drowsiness: Feeling tired or having trouble staying awake is common after a concussion. This may be due to the brain’s effort to heal from the injury.
Mood changes: Concussions can cause changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, anxiety, or sadness.
Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping more than usual can occur after a concussion.
Blurred vision or ringing in the ears: Blurred vision or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may occur with a concussion.

It’s important to note that symptoms of a concussion may not always be immediately apparent and can develop hours to days after the injury. If you suspect a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention for evaluation and appropriate management. Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid activities that could potentially lead to further head injury until symptoms have resolved and you have been cleared by a healthcare provider.

What are the causes of a concussion?

Concussions are typically caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Some common causes of concussions include:

Sports injuries: Concussions are common in contact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, and basketball, where athletes may experience collisions or falls that result in a blow to the head.
Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, especially those involving a collision or sudden stop, can cause the head to strike against objects inside the vehicle, leading to a concussion.
Falls: Falls, particularly in older adults or young children, are a common cause of concussions. Falls from heights or on slippery surfaces can result in a blow to the head.
Assaults: Physical assaults, such as being punched, kicked, or struck with an object, can cause a concussion.
Bicycle or pedestrian accidents: Accidents involving bicycles or pedestrians can result in a blow to the head, leading to a concussion.
Accidents at home: Accidents such as slipping in the bathtub, falling down stairs, or hitting the head on furniture can cause concussions.
Work-related injuries: Some occupations, such as construction or manufacturing, carry a higher risk of head injuries that can result in concussions.

It’s important to note that not all blows or jolts to the head result in a concussion, and the severity of a concussion can vary. Symptoms may not always be immediately apparent and can develop hours to days after the injury. If you suspect a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention for evaluation and appropriate management.

What is the treatment for a concussion?

Treatment for a concussion typically focuses on managing symptoms and allowing the brain to heal. Some common approaches to concussion treatment include:

Rest: Rest is a key component of concussion treatment, especially in the immediate aftermath of the injury. This may include physical rest (avoiding strenuous activity) and cognitive rest (limiting activities that require concentration, such as reading or using screens).
Gradual return to activity: Once symptoms begin to improve, a gradual return to normal activities is recommended. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to avoid overexertion and a return of symptoms.
Symptom management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate headache and other symptoms. However, it’s important to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Cognitive therapy: For individuals experiencing persistent cognitive symptoms (such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating), cognitive therapy may be helpful.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended for individuals experiencing balance or coordination problems as a result of the concussion.
Education and counseling: Education about concussion, its symptoms, and its management, as well as counseling to address any emotional or psychological effects of the injury, may be beneficial.
Monitoring: Close monitoring of symptoms is important to ensure that they are improving and to identify any signs of complications, such as post-concussion syndrome or second impact syndrome.

It’s important for individuals who have experienced a concussion to follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and recovery. In some cases, especially if symptoms are severe or prolonged, referral to a specialist such as a neurologist or neuropsychologist may be necessary.

What is post-concussion syndrome and second impact syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a condition that can occur after a concussion, where symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating persist for weeks, months, or even years after the initial injury. PCS is more common in people who have had multiple concussions or a history of head injuries. The exact cause of PCS is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to the disruption of brain function and the brain’s healing process following a concussion.

Second impact syndrome (SIS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when a person sustains a second concussion before the symptoms of a previous concussion have fully resolved. In SIS, the brain swells rapidly, leading to a dangerous increase in pressure inside the skull. This can cause severe brain damage and even death. SIS is more common in young people, particularly athletes, whose brains are still developing.

Both PCS and SIS underscore the importance of properly managing and treating concussions. It’s crucial for individuals who have experienced a concussion to allow adequate time for recovery and to avoid activities that could lead to another head injury until symptoms have fully resolved. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention for further evaluation and management.

What is a concussion test and what does it measure?

A concussion test, also known as a concussion assessment or evaluation, is a series of tests used to assess and diagnose a concussion. These tests are typically administered by healthcare providers, such as doctors or athletic trainers, and may include:

Symptom evaluation: The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light or noise.
Neurological examination: This may include tests of balance, coordination, reflexes, and sensation to assess brain function.
Cognitive assessment: Tests of cognitive function, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, may be used to assess brain function.
Imaging tests: While imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs are not typically needed to diagnose a concussion, they may be used to rule out more serious brain injuries.
Concussion-specific tests: There are several specialized tests designed specifically to assess for concussion, such as the SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) or the King-Devick test, which measure aspects of cognition, balance, and vision that are commonly affected by concussion.

These tests are used to assess the extent of the injury, determine when it is safe for an individual to return to activities that could lead to another head injury, and develop a treatment plan. It’s important to note that no single test can diagnose a concussion, and diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination findings, and, in some cases, imaging tests.