What is a Concussion?

A concussion can be defined as a traumatic head injury that is a result of a blow to the head, or a fall. This injury, in turn, shakes the brain in the skull, resulting in a concussion. A concussion is actually the most common type of brain injury, and often shows little, if any, signs.

Who is Most Likely to Get a Concussion?

Any individual that is active, or plays sports, tends to have a higher chance of receiving a brain injury. However, a concussion can happen to any individual at any age.

Leading Causes of Concussion:

Falls
Playing sports
Unintentionally being struck by or against an obstacle
Motor vehicle-related injury
Assaults

Symptoms:

Detecting a concussion is no easy task. In many cases, little to no signs could show such injury. The symptoms for a concussion can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms to look for when trying to diagnose a concussion are unclear thinking, lack of concentration headache, blurred vision, lack of energy, mood changes, and sleep pattern changes.

Treatments:

Rest is the number one treatment for recovering from a concussion. Avoiding alcohol will also benefit the healing process. Also, avoiding physical or mental activities that are draining is a good idea when healing.

Prevention:

Although concussions are the result of an accident, there are preventative measures that can help lower the chances of getting a concussion. Some examples include wearing a seatbelt while driving a car, and wearing a helmet during physical activities when necessary.

Other Important Facts:

People who have had a concussion are actually more susceptible to more concussions, especially if the brain has not fully healed yet. It is also important to note that studies have shown that multiple repeated concussions have been linked to a higher tendency of the development of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and depression later on in life.

If you or anyone you know demonstrates signs or symptoms of a concussion, it is important to immediately be evaluated by a doctor or health care professional.

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.