(See also Sports-Related Concussion Sports-Related Concussion A concussion is a temporary change in brain function after a head injury without any signs of brain damage on imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)... read more and Overview of Head Injuries Overview of Head Injuries Head injuries that involve the brain are particularly concerning. Common causes of head injuries include falls, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and mishaps during sports and recreational activities... read more .)
In concussion, no brain damage can be detected on imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Yet brain cells are temporarily damaged or dysfunctional. The person has temporary symptoms of brain dysfunction.
Symptoms of a concussion include one or more of the following:
Consciousness may be lost for a brief time, rarely for more than 15 minutes. Some people may not realize they have had a concussion.
Postconcussion syndrome refers to certain symptoms that sometimes occur for up to a few weeks after a concussion. These symptoms include one or more of the following:
Postconcussion syndrome symptoms are common during the week after concussion and commonly resolve during the second week. However, sometimes, symptoms persist for months or, rarely, years. People who have had a concussion also seem to be more susceptible to another one, particularly if the new injury occurs before symptoms from the previous concussion have completely gone away.
To diagnose a concussion, doctors need to make sure brain structures are not damaged. The use of CT, MRI, or both may be needed. If there is no structural brain damage, only the symptoms need be treated.
For concussion, acetaminophen is given for pain. Aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs In some cases, treating the underlying disorder eliminates or minimizes the pain. For example, setting a broken bone in a cast or giving antibiotics for an infected joint helps reduce pain.... read more ) should not be taken because they interfere with blood clotting and may contribute to bleeding from damaged blood vessels. Rest of both the body and the brain is the best treatment for a concussion.
Treatment for postconcussion syndrome is based on the severity of the symptoms. Rest and close observation are important. If symptoms worsen, people who have had a concussion should be taken to the doctor or hospital for evaluation.
People who experience emotional difficulties may need psychotherapy.
People should not return to contact sports after a concussion until all ill effects have resolved and medical evaluation has been completed.
Repeated concussions may increase a person’s risk of dementia Dementia Dementia is a slow, progressive decline in mental function including memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to learn. Typically, symptoms include memory loss, problems using language and... read more , Parkinson disease Parkinson Disease (PD) Parkinson disease is a slowly progressive degenerative disorder of specific areas of the brain. It is characterized by tremor when muscles are at rest (resting tremor), increased muscle tone... read more , and depression Depression A short discussion of prolonged grief disorder. Depression is a feeling of sadness and/or a decreased interest or pleasure in activities that becomes a disorder when it is intense enough to... read more in later life.
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Brain Injury Association of America: Information regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of brain injuries in children and adults
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