What is a Concussion?
A Concussion is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Concussions occur when the brain functions are affected by mild injuries to the head (face or neck) or upper body. Heavy or violent shaking of the head may also cause a Concussion.
Concussions lead to the loss of temporary brain function and alternate mental state. If untreated, the chronic condition can damage the body's brain cells.
What causes Concussion?
Unlike other body parts, the brain is made up of soft tissues. The soft tissues are protected from the skull by cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions between the skull and the brain tissues.
The sudden impact of a concussion shocks the brain. A heavy bump or violent shaking can cause the brain to jolt front and back forcefully, causing it to collide against the inner walls of the skull.
Such violent movements cause the brain to become dysfunctional and damage the brain cells. As a result, you may suffer from a temporary loss of normal brain function. In most cases, Concussions usually heal within a short period.
A Concussion can be caused due to a direct head injury, falling, being hit by accident and violent head shaking. People of all age groups are more prone to Concussion. Concussions happen while playing in children when they accidentally get their heads injured.
What are the symptoms of a Concussion?
A Concussion is a tricky traumatic brain injury. The symptoms are hard to diagnose; they may not appear for hours or days after the injury. In a few cases, the symptoms last for a day or longer. On the other hand, the symptoms may also end within minutes. So, pay attention to the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Unconscious (for a short period)
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light and heavy sound
- Drowsy or dizzy feeling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusing
- Loss of concentration
- Troubled sleeping
The same symptoms can be followed for a child who suffers from a Concussion. An adult can express the problem, but a child cannot. It is impossible to concentrate on your child for 24 hours. So, to avoid the complication, consult a doctor if your child is diagnosed with the symptoms mentioned above.
It is important to consult a doctor within a day after the head injury, even if it is not an emergency.
How is a Concussion diagnosed?
Concussion diagnosis starts with physical interaction with the doctor. During the physical interaction, there will be a discussion about the signs and symptoms and how the injury took place.
Then imagery tests are required to look for the injury and the severity of the injury in the brain. If needed, an electroencephalogram will be performed to test the brain activities. An electroencephalogram helps to monitor brain waves.
You might even be asked to take a series of tests to test the brain's concentration and memory. The test can also be related to vision and hearing. To check if the brain injury has damaged any of the sensory abilities.
What are the treatments of a Concussion?
Concussion may seem to be a temporary brain injury, but it can damage the vision, disturb hearing and create an imbalance in mind and body. The treatment depends on the severity of the head injury.
However, a Concussion does not need surgery or medication unless the head injury does not cause bleeding or swelling of the brain. Concussion gets cured within a day. The doctor may provide medication to ease the concussion symptoms. The recovery of children takes a bit longer than adults' recovery.
Relaxation is the best remedy. Concussion will bring a lot of confusion to the brain and it is not advisable to make the brain think. It will worsen the condition. Taking a rest will help the brain to process peacefully. It is better to take a nap, but do not push yourself.
Avoid or limit the screening time. Watching movies, television or playing video games will worsen the symptoms. Get the maximum rest you can. It is also better to avoid activities that would force the brain to think, like doing presentations, assignments or home and office work.
Conclusion
If the situation is an emergency or not, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Please do not indulge yourself in any strenuous activities after the head injury as it may trigger the symptoms and lead to severe health complications.
If you get a head injury, never overlook the symptoms. It is hard to prevent a Concussion because it is an accidental case, but it is always better to get it treated early.
