Concussion
Overview
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
A concussion can cause symptoms that may last for days, weeks, or even longer. They may be start right away or a few hours or days after the injury.
Common physical problems are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears and problems hearing
- Blurred vision
- Balance and coordination problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Sensitivity to sounds and lights
- Numbness
- Seizures
- Problems sleeping
Other problems may be:
- Confusion
- Lack of focus
- Problems paying attention
- Loss of memory
- Slow processing speed
- Slow reaction time
- Problems completing tasks
- Irritability
Treatments
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to let the brain rest so that it can heal. This may be done with:
- Time off from sports
- Limiting mentally-demanding activities, such as schoolwork and using devices with screens
- Therapy to help with cognitive function
Steps will need to be taken to prevent a second brain injury. It can lead to serious problems.
Prevention
To lower the risk of concussion:
- Use seatbelts, shoulder harnesses, and child safety seats when traveling in motor vehicles.
- Children should use safe, age-appropriate methods when playing sports.
-
Wear a helmet when doing activities such as:
- Playing a contact sport like football, soccer, or hockey
- Riding a bike or motorcycle
- Using skates, scooters, and skateboards
- Catching, batting, or running bases in baseball or softball
- Riding a horse
- Skiing or snowboarding
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Brain Injury Association of Canada http://biac-aclc.ca
Ontario Brain Injury Association http://www.obia.on.ca
References
Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/concussion-and-mild-traumatic-brain-injury . Updated November 1, 2018. Accessed May 13, 2020.
Lumba-Brown A, Yeates KO, et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children. JAMA Pediatr. 2018 Nov 1;172(11):e182853.
Sports-related concussion information for athletes. Wesleyan University Athletic Injury Care website. Available at: http://athletics.wesleyan.edu/Performance%5F-%5FCare/concussions. Updated January 2007. Accessed May 13, 2020.
Traumatic brain injury and concussion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/index.html. Updated March 4, 2019. Accessed May 13, 2020.
What can I do to help feel better after a mild traumatic brain injury? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/recovery.html. Updated February 12, 2019. Accessed May 13, 2020.
2/21/2017 EBSCO DynaMed Systematic Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/condition/concussion-and-mild-traumatic-brain-injury : Grool AM, Aglipay M, et al. Association between early participation in physical activity following acute concussion and persistent postconcussive symptoms in children and adolescents. JAMA. 2016 Dec 20;316(23)2504-2514.