The symptoms of a concussion
What are
the symptoms of a concussion? Any violent blow to the head that causes a
brief unconsciousness that lasts even a few seconds can cause a
concussion.
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Any violent blow to the head that causes a brief unconsciousness
that last only a few seconds can cause a concussion. This condition may
be caused by sports injuries, falls, automobile accidents, industrial
accidents, blows received in fights or any minor head injury. With a
concussion the loss of consciousness is caused by a disturbance of the
electrical activities in the brain. In most cases of concussion there is
no association of damage to the brain but even so it should be treated
as a serious occurrence and reported to a doctor. Although concussions
cause a malfunction of the brain they do not result in any visible
damage to the structure of the skull. In fact, concussions have been
known to occur after even minor damage to the head if the brain has been
jarred within the head.
The symptoms that will usually immediately follow a
concussion may include a headachy feeling, abnormal sleepiness,
dizziness, confusion, lack of feeling or emotion, anxiety,
blurred
vision, vomiting, and the inability to remember events prior to the
injury. If the period of unconsciousness is prolonged the symptoms may
be more persistent and severe. In cases of repeated concussion such as
that found in boxers, damage to the brain, impaired concentration,
slurred speech, slow thinking and the punch drunk syndrome are possible.
As with anyone who has been knocked unconscious a doctor may advise bed
rest and observation. Depending on the severity of the concussion this
can be done at home or in the hospital.
In most cases a person will recover from a concussion
within a few hours or days. In more severe cases of concussion the last
up to several weeks. The person who is experiencing a concussion may
have difficulty working, socializing or studying which is known as post
concussion syndrome. Although the reasons for this reaction to a
concussion is unknown, it is believed by experts that post concussion
syndrome may be caused by microscopic injuries to the brain or
psychologic factors related to the injury. In some cases drug therapy or
psychiatric treatment will help to relieve these symptoms.
Even more dangerous than post concussion syndrome are more
serious symptoms which may develop within hours or sometimes days after
the injury. These would include increasing confusion, increasing
sleepiness or a worsening of the headache. When any of these symptoms
appear and persist immediate medical attention is required. Any blow to
the head that causes loss of consciousness may severely shake the brain
causing brain damage without leaving signs of external injury. This type
of blow will often bruise the brain causing the death of some of the
brain cells in the injured area. Head injuries are also known to cause
edema or swelling of the brain and if the blow is severe enough it might
even cause a skull fracture.
The recovery from most minor head
injuries can be delayed due to persistent symptoms of concussion. In
most cases with minor injuries rest and acetaminophen is recommended as
well as monitoring of the symptoms. If the injured person is a child the
parents are given instructions by a doctor on how to monitor the child
for changes. If the symptoms do not worsen the person with the
concussion can carry on as usual after three or four days.
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