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What is a concussion?
A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a trauma, such as a blow to the head. The brain can actually hit the inside of the skull from the force of the impact. Click here for an image of a brain suffering a concussion.
Concussions can be very mild, causing symptoms such as a headache or momentary dizziness, or can be a very serious brain injury. Most cases of concussion do not involve loss of consciousness.
Concussion Overview - University of Missouri
This resource lists the three grades of concussion, and lists the signs & symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment usually associated with a concussion.
Concussion Overview - Mayo Clinic
Another overview, from the Mayo Clinic.
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What clinical findings (signs, symptoms, test results) indicate a concussion?
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech or saying things that don’t make sense
- Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or unequally-sized pupils
- Loss of smell or taste
- Impaired reflexes
- Loss of short–term memory/anmesia (often can’t remember the accident/ injury)
- Perseverating (saying the same thing over and over again, despite being told what happened, such as, “Did I fall?”)
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Impaired coordination or balance (such as being unable to catch a ball or other easy tasks)
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Treatment options
Click here for an overview of what happens during a concussion, including how physicians treat a concussion.
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