Understanding Concussion: Causes, Symptoms, Self-Care, and When to Seek Care
Exploring Concussion
Concussion, often caused by a blow to the head, occurs when such an impact prompts the brain to move within the skull. This can lead to symptoms like memory loss, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. While mild concussions typically resolve within a few days, severe cases may require hospitalization. Rest is crucial for allowing the brain to recover.
Unveiling Concussion
Concussion arises after a head blow and may result in fainting and temporary loss of consciousness, sometimes followed by brief memory loss. In healthcare, it’s referred to as “commotio cerebri.” Memory loss in concussions has distinct characteristics:
- Brief memory loss just before the incident, occasionally spanning several days.
- Temporary memory impairment following the incident.
Notably, during memory loss, individuals typically retain basic personal information like their name and birthdate.
Causes of Concussion
The brain is safeguarded by cerebrospinal fluid from impacting the skull. However, intense head blows can cause the brain to move within the skull, resulting in a concussion. The momentary unconsciousness experienced during a concussion might stem from rotational forces affecting brain centers responsible for alertness. While some theories, such as seizures or sudden pressure elevation within the brain, exist, they possess limited research support. In children (5-15 years), concussions are often due to bicycle and sports accidents, whereas falls and car accidents contribute more frequently to adult cases.
Symptoms of Concussion
Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Temporary memory loss
- Confusion
- Profound fatigue
Symptoms can manifest immediately or after a few hours, lasting for several days post-injury. In certain instances, symptoms might persist for weeks or months. Additional symptoms could encompass short-term seizures, sensitivity to light and sound, and irritability. Brief seizures post-injury don’t necessarily indicate severity.
Self-Care Measures
When suspecting a concussion, always consult a healthcare professional. After a concussion, prioritize rest and recovery. For two days, avoid activities like prolonged screen time, reading, and sports that risk further injury. After this initial period, gradually reintegrate these activities. Pay attention to symptoms during the first 24 hours due to potential delayed onset.
Concussion Treatment
In case of a head injury, seek medical examination to rule out serious harm. Consider:
- Ensuring clear airways without touching the neck
- Severe concussions warrant hospital assessment, often involving CT scans.
- The duration of observation, whether in the hospital or at home, depends on the severity and varies.
When a medical examination doesn’t reveal severe injury, rest becomes key. Additional suggestions include:
- Avoid leaving the injured person alone within the first 24 hours, as delayed symptoms might arise.
- Wake them twice during the first night to ensure normal responsiveness.
- Wait until headaches and dizziness subside before resuming activities.
- Over-the-counter paracetamol can alleviate headaches.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect a concussion, seek medical attention. Also, if symptoms persist after two weeks of rest, consult a healthcare professional. In emergency situations, dial 112 if:
- An unconscious person doesn’t wake up within a minute.
- Seizures or confusion occur post-head injury.
- An injured person remains dizzy, confused, or sleepy after fainting.
Immediate medical care should be sought if the following post-concussion symptoms arise:
- Worsening symptoms
- Increasingly severe headaches
- Repeated nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Impaired consciousness
- Confusion
- Visual changes
- Unequal pupil size
- New fatigue, speech difficulties, or paralysis.