What is a concussion?
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A concussion is a minor injury to the brain, which usually results from some type of trauma to the head. People who suffer a concussion may lose consciousness for a short period of time, suffer headaches, or experience other cognitive difficulties. Concussions are fairly common, especially among people who play contact sports, like football.
A concussion is a minor injury to the brain, which usually results from some type of trauma to the head. People who suffer a concussion may lose consciousness for a short period of time, suffer headaches, or experience other cognitive difficulties.... More -
National Academy of Sports Medicine answered:Research defines a cerebral concussion to be an abrupt loss of consciousness following a traumatic blow to the head. This sudden acceleration/deceleration force to the head causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull resulting in damage to the brain tissue. Depending on the severity of the impact, the damage can range from minimal to severe (possibly resulting in coma or death). The damage can also result in a hematoma (bleeding), which may cause harmful pressure on the brain. Sustaining multiple concussions (like in boxing) may lead to more chronic and severe conditions like traumatic encephalopathy (punchdrunk syndrome), which is characterized by weakness of the legs, tremors, altered speech, and slowed mental processes.
Research defines a cerebral concussion to be an abrupt loss of consciousness following a traumatic blow to the head. This sudden acceleration/deceleration force to the head causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull resulting in damage to the... More -
Dr. Matthew C. Evans of Intermountain Healthcare answered:A concussion is a type of brain injury. Swelling and bleeding are not involved. It cannot be seen on CT scan or traditional MRI, but is a dysfunction of brain metabolism. Most often it is caused by an impact injury to the head, but can also be caused by whiplash forces on the brain. Loss of consciousness is not necessary, but can occur. Common symptoms can be headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, fatigue, memory loss, trouble with concentration, insomnia, decreased energy, dizziness, or becoming more emotional. Every concussion is different. Some last less than a week and others can have long-term effects.
The basis of treatment is rest for the injured brain. This can include rest from physical, metal, visual, auditory, and emotional stimulation. Returning to activity or sports too soon can prolong the concussion or have more serious effects. In teenagers, returning to contact sports too soon has even caused serious brain injury or even death. This is called Second Impact Syndrome. Repetitive concussions, as sometimes seen in boxers or professional football linemen, can cause Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. This is a syndrome with degenerative changes in the brain that can be seen on CT scan or MRI. It is associated with depression, substance abuse, personality changes, headaches, movement problems, chronic mental deficiencies and even violence.
A concussion is a type of brain injury. Swelling and bleeding are not involved. It cannot be seen on CT scan or traditional MRI, but is a dysfunction of brain metabolism. Most often it is caused by an impact injury to the head, but can also be... More -
American Red Cross answered:A concussion is a type of brain injury that involves a temporary loss of brain function resulting from a blow to the head.
A person with a concussion may not always lose consciousness. The effects of a concussion can appear immediately or very soon after the blow to the head and include sleep, mood, and cognitive disturbances, and sensitivity to light and noise.
However, some effects do not appear for hours or even days and may last for several days or even longer.
A concussion is a type of brain injury that involves a temporary loss of brain function resulting from a blow to the head. A person with a concussion may not always lose consciousness. The effects of a concussion can appear immediately or... More -
National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered:A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the body that causes the brain to shake inside the skull. This event leaves the brain damaged, which hinders its performance.
(This answer provided for NATA by the Washington State University Athletic Training Education Program.)A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the body that causes the brain to shake inside the skull. This event leaves the brain damaged, which hinders its performance. (This answer provided for NATA by the Washington State University... More -
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur with a blow or jolt to the head, which can cause the brain to move back and forth inside the skull. Usually they are not life-threatening, but caution needs to be taken when one occurs because repetitive injury to the brain can cause long-term effects. If you think that you or someone you know has had a concussion, please see a doctor immediately. Signs to watch for are irritability, sleepiness, headache, and confusion.A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur with a blow or jolt to the head, which can cause the brain to move back and forth inside the skull. Usually they are not life-threatening, but caution needs to be taken when one... More -
UCLA Health answered:A concussion is a traumatic brain injury resulting in neurological dysfunction caused by a bump or blow to the head. It may or may not involve a loss of consciousness.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury resulting in neurological dysfunction caused by a bump or blow to the head. It may or may not involve a loss of consciousness. More
