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Concussions, which are also called "closed head" injuries, can result from any significant blow to the head. Head injuries are common in sports and motor vehicle accidents, but can occur with a variety of mechanisms, including household accidents. Such a trauma essentially bruises the brain, and can affect one's cognitive (thinking) and motor (muscular) function. The severity of a concussion is often determined by the symptoms that a patient displays, therefore prompt symptom recognition is important to ensure proper management.
What are the symptoms?
It is not always easy to know if someone has a concussion. Not everyone who has a concussion becomes unconscious. A mild concussion may produce very subtle symptoms, such as a slight headache or ringing in the ears. More severe concussions generally result in more obvious symptoms, which can worsen in the first few hours or days after the injury. If you notice any symptoms of a concussion, contact your doctor for further evaluation.
Symptoms of a concussion include:
- Loss of consciousness (passing out), even for a short period of time.
- Not being able to remember what happened after the injury.
- Acting confused, asking the same question over and over, slurring words, or not being able to concentrate.
- Feeling lightheaded, seeing "stars," having blurry vision, or experiencing ringing in the ears.
- Not being able to stand or walk; or having coordination and balance problems.
- Feeling nauseated or throwing up.
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if a small child has a concussion. If a child sustains a head injury, call your doctor for advice on what to do.
The duration of concussive symptoms can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. The patient should notice a gradual reduction in symptoms as he/she improves. Occasionally, a person who has a more serious concussion will develop new symptoms over time, and feel worse than he or she did before the injury. This is called post-concussive syndrome, and should be evaluated by a physician. Symptoms of post-concussive syndrome include:
- Changes in your ability to think, concentrate, or remember.
- Headaches or blurry vision.
- Changes in your sleep patterns, such as not being able to sleep or sleeping all the time.
- Changes in your personality such as becoming angry or anxious for no clear reason.
- Lack of interest in your usual activities.
- Changes in your sex drive.
- Loss of your sense of taste or smell.
- Feeling that you are spinning, whirling, falling, or tilting. You may feel nauseated or throw up. You may also have trouble standing or walking and lose your balance.
How are concussions treated?
Initial treatment for a concussion is to watch a person closely for any changes in behavior or for any new symptoms. Some people have to stay in the hospital to be watched while others can go home safely. Your treating physician may elect to perform some testing, such as a CT scan or an MRI, to determine the extent of your injury.
Mild concussions can often be managed at home, and may not require specialized medical testing. If there is any swelling, your doctor may recommend using cold packs to reduce the swelling. He or she may also prescribe a pain medicine or recommend a pain medicine that you can buy without a prescription such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol). Rest is the best way to recover from a concussion. In the first 24 hours after the injury, have a family member or roommate check the patient regularly, even during the night. Because a concussion patient's condition can worsen over time, re-evaluation of his or her symptoms is very important. Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs, and any activities that could lead to another head injury, such as sports.
Some people feel normal again in a few hours, while others have symptoms for weeks or months. It is very important to allow yourself time to get better and to slowly return to your regular activities. Physically active individuals need to wait until they are symptom-free at rest before resuming exertional activities. Most athletes will need to be released by their physician before they are permitted to return to their sport. Concussion symptoms that persist or worsen require additional physician follow-up.
How can I prevent a concussion?
You can reduce your chances of getting a concussion if:
- You wear helmets and safety equipment when you are biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, snowboarding or skiing. It is important that helmets fit correctly and are not damaged.
- You wear a mouthguard when participating in sports, such as football, hockey, and basketball. Mouthguards have been proven to prevent injuries to the teeth and jaw, and can redistribute forces that would potentially result in a concussion.
- You wear your seat belt in a car, pay attention while driving, and do not drive if you have been drinking or using drugs.
- You make your home as accident-proof as possible. This can be done by adding lighting to dark areas, fixing uneven surfaces, blocking off stairways, or padding edges of sharp objects.
Head injuries can result in significant, even long-term, impairment in the brain's normal function, so proper prevention, recognition, and management is essential. Consult a physician or other medical professional whenever there is a question about the severity of the concussion symptoms that are occurring.
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