Diagnosis and Treatment Archive
Consussion
 
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.


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)
Treatment options

Click here for an overview of what happens during a concussion, including how physicians treat a concussion.