What Is a Concussion?

Think back to old episodes of Looney Tunes. Wile E. Coyote certainly saw more than his fair share of falling anvils – and usually got right back up again, albeit with stars in his eyes. Cartoon coyotes might be able to shake off head trauma, but Wile may have had a bit more trouble recovering in real life. And while anvils don’t typically fall from the sky, head injuries like concussions are very common, impacting as many as one in four Americans. But what is a concussion?

What Is a Concussion?

What Is a Concussion?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe a concussion as “a type of traumatic brain injury – or TBI – caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.” The CDC continues: “This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.” It might be hard to imagine an event that could have such an extreme impact on the brain. However, concussions are very common. Everyday causes of concussions include falls, contact sports, and car or bike accidents.

Concussion Symptoms

As outlined in the CDC description above, concussions can actually stretch and damage your brain cells. With that in mind, you might think concussions would be easy to self-diagnose. That’s rarely the case, especially with children. In some cases, concussion sufferers may just not feel “quite right.” For that reason, proper concussion diagnostics are crucial. The CDC divides concussion symptoms into “observed” and “reported” categories, which aids in diagnostics.

Observed concussion symptoms include the following:

• Appearing dazed or stunned
• Memory loss prior to or after the events that caused the concussion (a fall, for example)
• Clumsy movement
• Losing consciousness, even briefly
• Unusual mood, behavior, or personality changes

Reported concussion symptoms include the following:

• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Vision problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Confusion
• Problems with memory or concentration

Diagnosing a Traumatic Brain Injury

Individuals with any of the symptoms listed above should see a doctor immediately. However, it is important to keep in mind that concussion symptoms may not appear until after the injury – sometimes hours or days later. At that point, a proper diagnosis is crucial. An initial concussion consultation with a doctor will involve the following:

• A cursory evaluation of concussion signs and symptoms
• A review of the patient’s medical history
• Neurological and cognitive testing
• Brain imaging (this is usually in the case of severe symptoms like seizures or repeated vomiting)

Treatment and Vestibular Therapy

In many cases, doctors will prescribe a period of rest to treat mild concussions. During that rest period, doctors may recommend avoiding physical activity, intense mental strain, and socialization. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen in case of ongoing headaches. However, in some cases, concussion patients may require ongoing support. That can range from physical therapy to vestibular rehabilitation depending on the severity of the concussion.

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Concussions are common, but they can have a severe impact on a patient’s quality of life if left untreated. Fortunately, professionals like those at National Dizzy & Balance Center are well-versed in treating vestibular disorders like concussions.

Worried you might have a concussion? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate your issue and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.