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Concussion

Concussion

Brain
Brain
Concussion
Concussion

Definition:

A concussion is a brain injury that may result in a bad headache or unconsciousness.

See also: Concussion - first aid

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are more than a million cases of concussions each year in the United States.

A concussion may result when the head hits an object or a moving object strikes the head. A concussion can result from a fall, sports activities, and car accidents. Significant movement of the brain (jarring) in any direction can cause unconsciousness. How long a person remains unconscious may indicate the severity of the concussion.

Often victims have no memory of events preceding the injury, or immediately after regaining consciousness. More severe head injuries can cause longer periods of memory loss (amnesia).

Usually, a person has the most memory loss immediately after getting hurt. Some of the memory comes back as time goes by. However, complete memory recovery for the event may not occur.

Bleeding into or around the brain can occur with any blow to the head, whether or not unconsciousness occurs. If someone has received a blow to the head, they should be watched closely for signs of possible brain damage.

Things to watch for include repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, confused mental state or varying levels of consciousness, seizure-like activity, weakness on one side of the body or the inability to wake up (coma). If any of these signs are present, immediately call your health care provider.

Symptoms:

A concussion results from a significant blow to the head. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can include:

Emergency signs:

  • Persistent unconsciousness (coma)
  • Altered level of consciousness (drowsy, hard to arouse, or similar changes)
  • Persistent confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Unequal pupils
  • Unusual eye movements
  • Muscle weakness on one or both sides
  • Walking problems
Signs and tests:

A neurological examination may show abnormalities.

Tests that may be performed include:


Review Date: 3/21/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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