Concussion: symptoms, causes and treatment

The cranial structure, despite being quite protected, is highly susceptible to suffering an injury or accident that ends up causing serious damage or discomfort to the person who suffers it.

One of these accidents is known as a concussion., which despite the fact that in most cases does not entail great damage, if the person does not maintain resting and taking care of your health can lead to a multiple concussion or syndrome of the second impact.

• Related article: "Parts of the human brain (and functions)"

What is a concussion?

Concussion refers to the most common and mildest type of traumatic brain injury. On a more technical level, the expression refers to a small loss of knowledge that does not last long and which can occur after receiving an impact to the head, due to an injury or after a movement in which the head and brain move back and forth very quickly.

Although as a general rule, a concussion does not have to be fatal, it is can cause a number of symptoms of considerable importance, which must be treated with all possible haste.

Also, this type of trauma can cause neuronal maladjustment without the need for an apparent structural injury. After a cerebral seizure of this type the brain is briefly blocked, may present loss of consciousness, confusion or memory alterations.

The fact that it is one of the most common brain accidents is due to the ease with which it can occur, since any fall, accident driving, or any sport or daily activity that involves a lot of movement makes the person susceptible to a concussion cerebral.

• You may be interested: "The 6 levels of loss of consciousness and associated disorders"

Symptoms of concussion

The symptoms associated with concussion vary according to the person who suffers it and according to the severity of the injury. For example, although unconsciousness is a very common symptom of concussion, not all people who suffer from it faint.

In the same way, it is possible that the person will experience the following symptoms both immediately and after a few hours, or even days and weeks, after the accident.

Symptoms of concussion can be classified into three types- Mild concussion symptoms, severe symptoms, and symptoms that appear during the recovery process.

1. Mild symptoms

They are the most common symptoms after a concussion, although annoying they do not usually lead to major problems.

• Short-term fainting or loss of consciousness.
• Memory disturbances.
• Confusion or disorientation
• Sleepy feeling.
• Dizziness
• Vision problems.
• Headaches.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Photophobia or poor tolerance to light.
• Lack of balance
• Slow reaction times.

2. Severe symptoms

If the person experiences any of the following symptoms, they should seek urgent medical attention, as these are signs of a major concussion. These symptoms are:

• Altered alertness and conscience.
• Continual feeling of confusion.
• Epileptic seizures.
• Muscle weakness.
• Changes in the size of the pupils.
• Strange eye movements.
• Frequent vomiting
• Walking difficulties or keep the balance.
• Prolonged unconsciousness or coma.

3. Symptoms during recovery

Finally, it is common for the person to present a series of symptoms derived from the effects of the shock which arise during the recovery period.

• Irritability or mood swings.
• Hypersensitivity to light or noise.
• Concentration problems.
• Mild headaches.

Causes and risk factors

As mentioned above, concussion can be the result of a hit or fall in any setting or performing any activity or accident in any type of vehicle.

A considerable movement of the brain in any direction or orientation can lead to a loss of consciousness for the person. Depending on the duration of this loss of consciousness, the severity of the shock will be greater or lesser.

Yet a shock does not always lead to faintingThere are people who experience an alteration in visual perception that makes them see everything black or white. In the same way, a person can suffer a mild concussion and not be aware of This, since you do not experience any symptoms or, if you do, it is so mild that you do not associate.

In addition, there are a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of a person having a concussion. These factors are:

• Being a man.
• Children under 5 years of age.
• People between 15 and 24 years old.
• People over 75 years of age.
• Carrying out contact sports activities.
• Trades related to construction or agriculture.
• Driving or traveling in a vehicle at high speed.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Insomnia.
• Certain medications that induce or cause drowsiness.

Diagnosis

When making a diagnosis of a possible concussion, medical staff will need to conduct an interview prior to diagnostic tests in which information is obtained about the type of injury and the symptoms that the patient experiment.

Next, a physical examination is necessary to check the state of the nervous system. This examination includes the evaluation of reflexes, variations in pupil size, coordination, and alertness.

Finally and according to the state of severity of the patient, a series of diagnostic tests and exams. These tests include:

• Computerized tomography (CT).
• Magnetic resonance imaging (IMR).
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) in cases where the seizures persist.

Treatment

The treatment of choice after suffering a concussion will depend on the importance and extent of the symptoms.

If the person experiences severe brain damage, swelling, or bleeding, surgery may be necessary. However, this is rarely the case.

Pain relievers are usually the prescribed medication in most cases, since the person only tends to have a series of somewhat annoying headaches. Common recommendations after having a concussion are:

• Repose.
• Observation of the affected person to detect possible complications.
• Do not do any type of sport or intense physical activity for the next 24 hours.
• Do not drive any type of motorized or non-motorized vehicle after 24 hours.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Forecast

Full recovery from a concussion may take a little time, lasting days, weeks, or months. Problems or symptoms that appear during recovery tend to be short-lived, however the person may need help or collaboration from others to carry out certain activities daily.

Nevertheless, the person may have a multiple concussion while the first commotion unfolds.

Multiple concussion

After suffering a first concussion, and if the instructions of the health personnel are not followed or performs some type of sport or physical activity, the person is susceptible to suffering a second concussion cerebral.

This multiple concussion can cause a disorder known as Second Impact Syndrome (SSI). Unlike the common concussion, the second impact syndrome increases the chances of suffering a significant inflation in the brain, which does imply a risk of death.