Description

What is a Concussion? A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that results from a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head that disrupts normal brain function. A concussion can also be caused by a hit to your body that is strong enough to cause your head to forcefully jerk backwards, forwards or to the side. Concussions stretch and bruise nerves and blood vessels and cause chemical changes in your brain that result in a temporary loss of normal brain function. A single concussion usually doesn’t cause permanent damage to your brain. Multiple concussions over a lifetime may result in structural changes in your brain. Concussions are not usually life-threatening. However, the effects from a concussion can be serious and last for days, weeks or even longer. Concussion Causes The brain is made of soft tissue. It's cushioned by spinal fluid and encased in the protective shell of the skull. When you have a blow or bump to your head, the impact can jolt your brain. Sometimes, it literally causes it to move around in your head. Traumatic brain injuries can cause bruising, damage to the blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. The result is your brain doesn't function as it should. If you've had a concussion, vision may be disturbed, you may lose equilibrium, or you may fall unconscious. In short, the brain is confused. Some things increase your risk for a concussion, including: • Falls, particularly in children and older adults • Playing a contact sport • Lack of proper safety gear or supervision for contact sports • Car, motorcycle, bicycle, and other accidents that cause a blow to the head • Being hit, struck with an object, or other physical abuse • Military service • An earlier concussion Concussion Symptoms Concussions can be tricky to diagnose. Though you may have a visible cut or bruise on your head, you can't see a concussion. Signs of a concussion may not appear for days or weeks after the injury. Some symptoms last for just seconds; others may linger. Signs of traumatic brain injury include: Confusion or feeling dazed • Clumsiness • Slurred speech • Nausea or vomiting • Headache • Balance problems or dizziness • Blurred vision • Sensitivity to light • Sensitivity to noise • Sluggishness • Ringing in ears • Irritability or other behavior or personality changes • Difficulty concentrating • Loss of memory • Fatigue or sleepiness • Loss of consciousness • Forgetfulness such as repeating yourself • Slowed response to questions • Problems with sleep • Depression • Problems with taste or smell Concussions in Children & Symptoms Because their heads are large compared to the rest of their body, young children get concussions fairly often. As kids enter adolescence, they have rapid height and weight gain. Both these things make them more prone to accidents than adults. • Headache • Dizziness • Problems with balance • Upset stomach or vomiting • Fatigue • Sensitivity to light or noise • Mental fogginess or slowed thinking • Problems with memory, concentration, or focus • Feeling more irritable, sad, nervous, or emotional than usual • Problems with sleep Concussions in Babies The signs of a concussion in a baby or toddler may be harder to spot because they won't be able to tell you what is happening. So you'll have to be extra vigilant. Concussion symptoms in toddlers and babies are similar to those in children. But also watch out for: • Changes in sleeping or eating patterns • Not showing interest in their favorite toys • Unsteadiness • Staring blankly • If they are able to speak, their words are slurred • Loss of consciousness • Particularly in babies, crying without being able to be consoled • Also in babies, not nursing or eating • Extreme emotions • Confusion or distraction • Not being able to preform new skills, such as toilet training • Large bruises or head bumps in places other than the forehead

Key Specification Concussion

Traumatic Brain Injury

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