Posted on February 14, 2010.
Information concussions, with its
A concussion is a temporary loss of consciousness and the functioning of the brain that occurs after a blow on the head. Loss of consciousness can take several seconds, minutes or hours. A person with a concussion can have a full recovery. Healing occurs usually in one day. In most cases, if damage occurs, it is mild or insignificant. If you think you have a concussion, you should see medical treatment.
Doctors use the term to describe a concussion of brain injury that results from a blow to the head. By definition, a concussion is not a mortal wound, but it may cause short-term and long-term problems. It follows a concussion from a closed head injury. Concussions do not include injuries where there is bleeding under the skull or brain.
The brain floats in cerebrospinal fluid and is enclosed in the skull. These protections provide resistance to many minor injuries that occur in everyday life. However, if sufficient force to cause the brain to bounce against the rigid bone of the skull, then there is risk of injury. It is the acceleration and deceleration of the brain against the skull which can cause the brain to be irritated and interrupt its function.
A concussion occurs when the head hits or is hit by an object. A concussion can also occur when the brain is pushed against the skull with a force. In such cases, some parts of the brain that control mental function may be damaged. The injured person may be disoriented (confused) and may briefly lost consciousness.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (in fact, it is now often called by that name - TCL). It is caused by trauma to the head, most often a fall, vehicle accident, or sports injuries. As with many problems related to the brain, there are a lot we do not know about herself a concussion, and that's exactly what it does to the brain. But we know that very soon after there are symptoms - headaches in general, dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and lethargy. Sometimes there is amnesia, but usually only lasts a few hours.
Concussion can be diagnosed and assigned a severity level is based largely on symptoms. Treatment involves monitoring and rest. The symptoms usually disappear completely within three weeks if they persist, or complications may occur. Repeated concussions can cause cumulative brain damage as pugilistica dementia or severe complications such as second impact syndrome.
On rare occasions, concussions cause more serious problems. Repeated concussions or a severe concussion may require surgery or lead to long-standing problems with movement, learning, or speaking. Due to the low likelihood of permanent brain problems, it is important to contact a doctor if you or someone you know has symptoms of a concussion.
Danger Signs
Most children with concussion recover without any problem. However, in rare cases a blood clot can develop in the brain after head trauma. Danger signs are a headache that is getting worse, increasing weakness, numbness or loss of coordination, nausea or repeated vomiting worse, problems with speech, especially speech problems, the increased confusion or agitation or inability to wake a sleeping child.