What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that is caused by either a direct contact and/or jolt to the head, or body causing the brain to move within the skull. This can cause a brief loss of consciousness, loss of memory at the time of injury, change in your mental status (feeling confused or disorientated) or an immediate neurological symptom (seizure or vision loss).

This can be caused by any of the following:

1.     the head being struck,

2.     the head striking an object, and

3.     the brain undergoing an acceleration/deceleration movement (ie, whiplash) without direct contact to the head.

CT or MRI do not detect changes associated with a concussion. They can reveal a small bleed or bruise, but your management is largely unchanged and these will heal.

 

How long will this last?

Most concussions will get better within 2-4 weeks, but about 20% of concussions can last for months or years. Early assessment and treatment can prevent prolonged symptoms and disability.

Concussion Symptoms

You may have one or more of the following symptoms after your concussion

 

Physical

  • Headache or head pressure

  • Dizziness (balance problems, vertigo or spinning, lightheaded)

  • Vision changes (blurred, double)

  • Hearing changes or noises in ear(s) (tinnitus)

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Sensitivity to noise

  • Changes in sense of smell (reduced or loss sense of smell), sensitivity to smells

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Neck pain

Cognitive (Thinking)

  • Mental fogginess

  • Memory difficulties

  • Reduced attention span or concentration

  • Slowed thinking

  • Word finding difficulties

  • Problems understanding what you read or hear

Emotions or Behavior

  • Sadness or feeling depressed

  • More emotional

  • Irritable or easily angered

  • Anxious or restless

  • Personality changes

  • Frustration or impatience

  • Reduced stress tolerance

Fatigue or Sleep

  • Sleeping too much

  • Sleeping too little

  • Problems falling asleep

  • Problems staying sleep

  • Low energy, tired easily