Concussion – Symptoms and Causes
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild form of brain injury that temporarily disrupts normal brain function. This injury typically happens after a blow to the head or body causes the brain to move within the skull.
Most concussions do not cause a person to lose consciousness. Common symptoms include headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, balance issues, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
Common causes of concussions:
- Falls (most frequent cause)
- Contact sports (football, soccer)
- Vehicle accidents
- Physical assaults
The good news is that most people completely recover from concussions with proper rest and care. However, not every impact to the head results in a concussion. Each injury is unique, and symptoms can vary widely between individuals.
Signs and Indicators
Young kids who have a head injury often cannot tell you how they feel. Look for these signs:
- A blank or confused look
- Getting tired quickly
- Being more fussy than usual
- Walking unsteadily or falling over
- Crying more than normal
- Eating or sleeping differently
- Not playing with favorite toys
- Throwing up
These signs might not show up right away. Some appear days after the injury happens.
When to Get Medical Help
See a doctor within 1-2 days if:
- You or your child has any kind of head injury, even if it seems minor
Go to the emergency room right away if you notice:
- Throwing up more than once
- Passing out for more than 30 seconds
- Headaches that get worse
- Fluid coming from ears or nose
- Changes in eye appearance or vision
- Ongoing ringing in the ears
- Arm or leg weakness
- Acting differently than normal
- Confusion about people or places
- Talking differently
- Mental changes
- Poor coordination
- Seizures
- Dizziness that doesn’t go away
- Symptoms getting worse over time
- Large bumps or bruises on the head, especially in babies
Children need to see doctors who know how to treat head injuries in young people.
Problems in Sports Players
If you think someone has a head injury during sports:
- Remove them from play immediately
- Do not let them return to the game that day
- Wait for proper medical clearance
Getting back to sports should happen slowly and only when a doctor says it’s OK. Each person recovers at their own pace based on their symptoms.
Common head injury symptoms include:
| Physical Signs | Mental Signs | Other Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Headaches | Feeling foggy | Memory problems |
| Ear ringing | Confusion | Sleep troubles |
| Nausea | Forgetting what happened | Sensitivity to light and noise |
| Vomiting | Delayed responses | Personality changes |
| Tiredness | Trouble concentrating | Feeling emotional |
| Blurry vision | Changes in taste or smell | Dazed appearance |
Some symptoms might show up right away, while others could take days to appear.
Causes
Concussions happen when the brain moves forcefully inside the skull. This movement can damage brain cells and change how the brain works for a short time.
Several events can cause this type of injury:
- Direct impact – A hard hit to the head, neck, or upper body.
- Sudden movement – Quick acceleration or deceleration that makes the brain bounce against the skull.
- Common scenarios – Car accidents, bicycle falls, or collisions during sports activities.
The force makes the brain slide against the inner skull walls, which can stretch and damage brain tissue. While most concussions are temporary, some can cause bleeding in or around the brain tissue.
This bleeding might lead to serious symptoms like extended confusion, unusual drowsiness, and in severe cases, death.
Any person with a suspected brain injury should be watched carefully for 24-48 hours. If symptoms get worse, emergency medical care is needed right away.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chances of getting a concussion:
Activities with Fall Risks
- Young children’s play activities
- Older adults’ daily movements
- Home accidents
Sports Involvement
- Contact sports (football, hockey, rugby)
- Soccer and boxing
- Any high-impact athletic activity
Safety Issues
- Missing or improper safety equipment during sports
- Lack of proper supervision
- Not following safety guidelines
Accidents and Trauma
- Car crashes
- Being hit while walking or biking
- Combat situations
- Physical violence
Having had a previous concussion makes you more likely to experience another one.
Possible Problems After a Concussion
After a concussion, several complications might develop. Headaches related to the injury often persist for days or weeks following brain trauma. These post-injury headaches can be painful and may require specific management.
Dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) frequently affects concussion patients. This balance disruption can last for several days to weeks, making regular activities challenging.
Some individuals develop longer-lasting symptoms known as post-concussion syndrome. When symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and thinking difficulties continue beyond three months, doctors classify them as persistent post-concussive symptoms.
Scientists are currently researching how multiple minor head injuries (ones that don’t cause obvious symptoms) might affect brain function over time. While research continues, conclusive evidence about these subconcussive injuries remains limited.
A rare but dangerous condition called second impact syndrome can occur when someone experiences another concussion before recovering from the first one. This can cause rapid brain swelling and may be fatal.
Athletes should never return to sports while still experiencing concussion symptoms.
Ways to Prevent Concussions
Protecting yourself from concussions starts with taking simple safety measures in your daily activities.
When playing sports or doing recreational activities, always wear proper protective gear. Make sure the gear fits well and is in good condition. Helmets are especially important for activities like biking, motorcycling, and snowboarding.
In vehicles, always use seat belts to reduce your risk of head injuries during accidents. This simple step can save your life.
Making your home safer can prevent falls, which are a leading cause of concussions.
Try these home safety tips:
- Keep rooms well lit
- Remove trip hazards from floors
- Install guards on windows
- Block off stairways if you have young children
Regular exercise helps strengthen your legs and improve balance, which can prevent falls that might lead to head injuries.
Spreading knowledge about concussions is also important. Teach coaches, athletes, parents, and others about concussion risks and symptoms. Good sportsmanship during games can reduce dangerous collisions that might cause head injuries.
