Concussion

A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a blow to the head. A concussion may cause temporary confusion, disorientation, memory loss or unconsciousness. A concussion occurs when a blow to the head causes shaking, jarring, stretching, swelling or tearing of brain tissue and delicate nerve fibers. The cause of the injury to the brain may be from a fall, a punch to the head, the head hitting something hard, or a car accident. The brain can swell and a bruise can occur on the brain's surface. Bleeding can occur in or around the brain or the brain's nerve fibers can tear. Most people with a concussion recover completely. However, repeated concussions may lead to damage that may last for a long time or even cause permanent damage to the brain.

A common symptom of a concussion is passing out after the injury. However, a concussion can still occur even though a person does not pass out. A person with a concussion may have any of the following symptoms:

• nausea or vomiting
• trouble concentrating
• amnesia or forgetfulness
• grouchy or sluggish
• dizziness
• weakness
• loss of balance
• sleepiness
• not behaving normally
• confusion, disorientation and
• severe headache

Some children have no immediate symptoms, but become sluggish and moody within a few hours after the injury. It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize if the child is acting different than normal.

If you suspect someone has a concussion, take them immediately to a healthcare provider or hospital emergency room. They could have a skull fracture or have bleeding inside the skull. If the person has passed out or is having any severe symptoms, call 911.

The healthcare provider will evaluate the person and do a neurological examination. Special tests may be completed such as a brain scan, CT scan (computerized tomography, MRI (magnetic resonance image). Depending on how the injury occurred, x-rays of the head and neck may also be done.

The treatment for a concussion is rest. The injured person needs to watched very carefully by an adult relative or friend for 8 to 12 hours. The person will need to be awakened and checked every 2 to 4 hours even during the night.

Return to the hospital right away if the person has:

• a seizure or twitching
• unequal pupils
• garbled speech
• bleeding from the ears or nose
• decreasing alertness
• unusual behavior or personality changes
• restlessness or irritability
• trouble using their arms or legs
• a constant or worsening headache
• intense or constant vomiting
• blurred vision or abnormal eye movements
• staggering when walking
• twitching or convulsions
• confusion or extreme sleepiness

It is very important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions. The person should not return to normal activities, such as driving or sports until the provider gives permission to do so. Stay away from activities that will risk re-injury. It is especially important to understand that receiving a second blow to the head before the first injury is fully healed can be fatal, even if the second injury seems minor.

To prevent concussions, a person should take precautions. Use proper equipment such as helmets and seat belts and follow proper techniques in sports such a football and soccer. When accidents do happen, however, concussions can be severe and should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NEUR3527.RF2 VRS# 5502 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.