Concussion

General information about concussion

Concussion, or in medical terminology commotio cerebri, is relatively common. It is often children who get a concussion in connection with sports accidents and bicycle accidents. In adults, fall injuries and car accidents are the most common causes.

A concussion can feel distressing, but most of the time it doesn’t cause any lasting discomfort. On the other hand, it is important to know that the symptoms can either be immediate or covert. In certain cases, you can get a concussion without even realizing it. Symptoms sometimes don’t appear until a few hours or days later. A concussion usually does not require emergency medical attention.

However, a hard blow to the head that causes seizures or numbness can be a sign of a brain hemorrhage. Then the ambulance must be called.

Symptoms of a concussion

When you have a severe concussion, you can sometimes be momentarily unconscious or have a memory lapse. Otherwise, a concussion is characterized primarily by headaches, nausea and vomiting. You may also feel dizzy in the head.

Usual Symptoms:

• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and double vision
• temporary memory loss
• confusion
• fatigue
• dizziness

Pay special attention to hidden symptoms

Some people may feel almost normal immediately after a concussion, but the symptoms may be masked. You may feel worse after a few hours, so it’s a good idea to have someone close by for the first 24 hours after an injury.

It is important to note whether symptoms worsen in the hours following the incident because of the risk of bleeding or swelling in the brain.

Sometimes a concussion may not cause symptoms until many days or weeks after the incident. These can be, for example, a greater need for sleep, difficulty concentrating or problems with balance.

concussion in children

Concussions are more common in children than adults. Children are more active, faster and do not think about dangers and possible consequences like adults do. Balance is not fully developed and it can be difficult to judge distances, speeds and heights. Then it’s all too easy to hit your head, ride your bike into something, or injure yourself while playing or exercising.

Children who have fallen and been hit in the head or otherwise injured may experience headaches. The child may feel dizzy, nauseated, vomit, or get tired and want to sleep. Sometimes the symptoms only appear after a few hours. It is important to check on the child regularly in the first 24 hours after an injury, including at night.

In certain cases, symptoms can persist for several days or weeks after a concussion. This can be a headache, unusual tiredness or difficulty concentrating. If symptoms worsen over time, you need to see a doctor.

There is a risk of cerebral hemorrhage if there is a strong blow to the head – then the child will get worse within the first 24 hours.

Symptoms that require calling an ambulance:

• if the child has been unconscious for more than a minute
• seizures
• disturbance of consciousness
• worsening headache
• persistent vomiting
• bruises on the eyes
• changed behavior, for example marked irritability

Causes of a concussion

The brain is normally protected by the cerebrospinal fluid, which works to keep the brain from banging against the skull in the event of a light bump or blow. A more serious injury to the head, face, or neck can cause the brain to move and bang against the inside of the skull despite the protective fluid. This leads to concussion, which causes temporary symptoms such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and an increased need for sleep for a period of time.

examination and treatment

A mild concussion usually does not require contact with a doctor. But if you get a hard blow to the head, you usually have to be examined by a doctor. Then the blood pressure , pulse and various neurological functions are checked. In certain cases, you may need an X-ray so the doctor can rule out bleeding, swelling, skull trauma, or neck injuries.

If a concussion is diagnosed and there is no reason to suspect a more serious injury, there is no specific treatment. Most sufferers just need to rest and are fully recovered within a few weeks. In rare cases, dizziness, headaches, tiredness and difficulty concentrating can cause long-term symptoms.

What can I do if I have a concussion myself?

After a concussion, you must avoid activities that require high levels of concentration for the first few days after. Limit reading and don’t sit in front of the TV or computer for too long. Rest when you are tired and avoid alcohol . You should also not exercise or engage in physical exertion until you feel well.

If you have a severe headache, you should seek medical advice first before taking any pain-relieving medication.

When to seek medical help

Visit a doctor’s office if you received a hard blow to the head or are unsure of the seriousness of the injury. You should also seek medical help if you feel worse after a few hours, days, or weeks.

Call an ambulance or emergency services if you have any of the following symptoms:

• if you have been unconscious for more than a minute
• bruises on the eyes
• strong headache
• repeated vomiting
• seizures
• slackness
• visual changes
• different sized pupils
• confusion
• weakness in arms or legs
• Fluid or blood oozing from the mouth, nose, or ears

Here’s how Med-Healths can help you

You can contact us at Med-Healths if you need help and medical advice for a concussion. A doctor assesses your symptoms and findings individually during the examination. You can then be referred for further care, receive sick leave and/or a prescription. A physical examination is sometimes necessary for a concussion.

Note: If your child has symptoms, your child must be present at the doctor’s appointment.