Headache (most common symptom) Dizziness Nausea or vomiting Loss of balance or coordination Feeling tired or sluggish Blurred vision or sensitivity to light Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more than usual)

Difficulty concentrating or remembering things Feeling blurry or mentally slow Difficulty thinking clearly Difficulty following instructions

Irritability Sadness Restlessness Feeling emotional or on edge

Concussion - Auspicium Orthopaedic Centre

Concussion

Head

Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow or shock to the head that disrupts normal brain function. This disruption can be caused by a direct blow to the head or by forcefully whipping the head and brain back and forth. Although concussions are considered the mildest form of brain injury, they can still cause a variety of symptoms and require proper management to ensure full recovery.

What is the cause of the commotion?

Concussions can be caused by a variety of events that cause a blow or jolt to the head, such as:

Falls: Slipping, slipping, or falling and hitting your head on a hard surface is a common cause of concussions, especially in children and the elderly.
Sports injuries: Athletes in contact sports such as football, hockey and soccer are at high risk for concussions due to collisions and head-to-head contact.
Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle accidents can all cause head impact damage with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects.
Chemical changes: Temporary changes in brain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, affect communication between brain cells.
Changes in blood flow: Disruption of blood flow to certain parts of the brain, affecting their function.
Cellular dysfunction: Temporary impairment of brain cells with no obvious damage on a scan.

Concussion signs and symptoms

The symptoms of a concussion can vary depending on the severity of the injury and can appear immediately or last for hours or days. Some common symptoms include:

Physical symptoms:

Headache (most common symptom)
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of balance or coordination
Feeling tired or sluggish
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more than usual)

Cognitive symptoms:

Emotional symptoms:

Predisposing factors for concussion

Certain factors can increase your risk of concussion:

Age: Children and older adults are more prone to concussions due to weaker neck muscles and a less flexible brain.
Previous concussions: Having a history of concussions can make you more vulnerable to future ones.
Contact sports: Athletes in sports with a high risk of head impact are more prone to concussions.
Certain medical conditions: Conditions that affect balance or coordination can increase the risk of falls and head injuries.

Diagnosis of Concussion

Concussion diagnosis usually includes:
Physical examination: A health care professional will examine your reflexes, balance, coordination, and mental status.
Cognitive function: Simple tests can be done to assess your memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
Imaging tests are not routinely used to diagnose concussions but may be ordered in some cases to rule out more serious brain injuries:
CT scan: A CT scan can help identify bleeding or fractures in the skull.
MRI scan: An MRI scan can be used to detect brain abnormalities in some cases.

Concussion Treatment Options

Physical and cognitive rest: : This includes avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms, such as vigorous physical activity, watching TV for long periods of time, or playing video games. Rest allows the brain to heal and recover from injury.

Symptom management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) can be used to manage headaches. Medications may also be prescribed to manage nausea, vomiting, or sleep disturbances.

Gradual return to activity:After improvement of symptoms, a gradual return to physical and cognitive activities under medical supervision is recommended. It usually follows a step-by-step approach.

Cognitive rehabilitation: In some cases, cognitive rehabilitation therapy can be helpful for individuals who continue to have cognitive difficulties after a concussion.

Balance and vestibular rehabilitation: If dizziness or balance problems persist, exercises to improve balance and vestibular function (the inner ear system that helps with coordination and spatial awareness) may be recommended.

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Concussion

Head

Concussion

What is the cause of the commotion?

Concussion signs and symptoms

Predisposing factors for concussion

Diagnosis of Concussion

Concussion Treatment Options

Feeling Aches And Pains?

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