What is a concussion?

November 4, 2022

A concussion is a form of injury that happens when the brain is jostled or rattled inside the skull, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Any incident that causes the head to move quickly back and forth, such as a hit to the head or body, a fall, or another impact, can result in this.

Headache, lightheadedness, confusion, memory loss, nausea, and loss of consciousness are all possible concussion symptoms. While the majority of concussion victims bounce back within a few days or weeks, others may endure longer-term side effects like melancholy and irritability.

Concussion risks are especially high in contact sports like football and hockey, where players are at high risk of collision and impact. It is critical for coaches, trainers, and players in these sports to be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussion and to take appropriate action if a concussion is suspected. This may entail removing the player from the game or practice and obtaining medical attention.

People who have had a concussion should also avoid activities that may put them at risk of another concussion, such as contact sports or activities involving high speeds or heights until they have fully recovered. This can help to avoid long-term complications like chronic headaches and memory problems.

Furthermore, studies have shown that people who have had multiple concussions are more likely to develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with memory loss, mood changes, and other cognitive symptoms. While the exact cause of CTE is unknown, it is thought to be related to repeated head injuries, so people should take precautions to reduce their risk of concussion in order to protect their long-term brain health.

To summarize, concussion is a common type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body. While the majority of people recover from concussions within a few days or weeks, some may experience long-term symptoms, and multiple concussions can also increase the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Coaches, trainers, and players in contact sports must be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussion, and people who have had one should avoid activities that could put them at risk of another until they have fully recovered.

 

This is how Brainsafe can help
You can turn to us at Brainsafe for advice and help in the event of a concussion. We make an individual assessment based on your symptoms and what emerges during the care meeting. If you have received a severe blow to the head, we recommend that you visit an emergency room.

If your child shows symptoms, the child also needs to be present during the care meeting. You need to be the child’s guardian in order to book a digital meeting.