Concussion – Closed head injury – Traumatic brain injury

Concussion (Closed Head Injury; Head Trauma; Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)

Description concussion

Concussion – lung (primarily) brain damage. Some time after the concussion he is not working properly. Problems may arise with such its functions, as memory, balance, concentration, thinking and coordination.

The brain needs time, to recover from concussion. Most victims recover completely after a good rest and monitoring of brain functions.

Because of a concussion

A concussion occurs when a sudden, strong jolt the brain. Concussion can cause:

• Conk;
• Charge or shaking – eg, bad fall;
• Quick stops – It is most common in road accidents;

Concussions occur more often when events, which include:

• Motor transport;
• Bike;
• Skates, Skateboards and scooters;
• Sports and Recreation;
• Fall;
• Firearms;
• Physical abuse, such as:
  • Battering;
  • Violence in family;
  • Child abuse.

Risk Factors concussion

Factors, which can increase the risk of concussion include:

• Previous concussion or head injury;
• Participation in contact sports – football or boxing;
• Job, associated with agriculture, logging or construction, where a high probability of head injury;
• Road accidents.

Symptoms of a concussion

Concussion can cause symptoms, which may last for several days, weeks or even longer.

Symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Confusion;
• Loss of memory about the accident;
• Headache or pain in the neck;
• Nausea;
• The problem with some of the features:
  • Memories;
  • Attention or concentration;
  • Organizing daily tasks;
  • Decision making and problem solving;
• Slowness in thinking, actions, speaking or reading;
• Feeling tired;
• Changes in sleep:
  • Sleep lasts longer, than usual;
  • Sleeping problems;
• Disequilibrium;
• Feeling dizzy;
• Hypersensitivity to:
  • Sounds;
  • World;
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue;
• Loss of sense of taste and smell;
• Tinnitus;
• Mood changes:
  • The feeling of longing, anxiety or lethargy;
  • Easy irritability or anger for no reason;
  • Lack of motivation.

Symptoms, that may appear in a child with a concussion include:

• Lethargy or fatigue;
• Irritability or crankiness;
• Changes in:
  • Eating and sleeping;
  • Games;
  • Behavior;
  • School performance;
• Lack of interest in favorite toy or activity;
• Loss of new skills, such as toilet training;
• Disequilibrium, unsteady walking.

Diagnosis of concussion

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, about how the accident occurred. He may also ask witnesses to describe the accident, What happened and how did you react. There will be a physical exam. It includes tests on the strength, sensitivity, balance, reflexes and memory.

If the doctor suspects a different type of head injury, They may be assigned additional tests:

• Head CT – X-ray views, which uses computer, to take pictures of structures inside the head;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the head.

Treatment of concussion

The goal of treatment is to ensure the recovery of the brain. The brain can recover on its own, with sufficient rest and avoidance actions, which can damage during treatment.

Mental and physical rest

Your brain after concussion needs a proper rest. This means to avoid physical activity and reducing the burden on the psyche. First, you should avoid all activities, for which the necessary concentration,this applies to work or study. For children to exclude video, watching TV, work at the computer or reading.

Your doctor will tell, gradually increase as the mental and physical stress, stop when the initial symptoms of a concussion. Also, the physician will evaluate symptoms, balance, thinking and tolerance to the current load at each stage of recovery. The doctor will use this information, to appoint an additional period of rest or go to the next step recovery.

Follow your doctor in, when you have to return to work or school. Recommended schedule doctor help speed up recovery.

Prevent further damage to the brain

The brain is more vulnerable to injury during recovery. Some steps, to be taken for a speedy recovery:

• Avoid certain medications, especially aspirin, blood thinners and drugs, that cause drowsiness;
  • Talk to your doctor about medicines, that you take;
  • Do not take a new medication without a doctor's permission, until fully recovered after concussion;
• Avoid alcohol and drugs;
• Avoid activities, which can lead to shock and do not shake your head – repeated trauma can lead to more severe or long-term symptoms;
  • Do not engage in activities without permission of a doctor;
  • Ask the doctor, when it is safe to drive a car, ride a bike, return to work or use of equipment;
• Avoid repeated head trauma in children and adolescents (syndrome of second impact):
  • Even a slight head injury re in children and adolescents can lead to serious brain damage, loss of consciousness and even death;
  • Follow your doctor's recommendations for the safe return of the child to contact sports or other activities;

If diagnosed with a concussion, Follow your doctor's instructions.

Preventing concussions

To prevent road accidents and head injuries, related traffic accidents:

• Do not drink alcohol before getting behind the wheel;
• Do not take drugs, that may cause drowsiness, especially when driving or operating heavy machinery;
• Observe the speed limit;
• In vehicles, always use seatbelts and child car seats. While transporting children, use only the children's car seats. Do not use them outside of the vehicle.

To prevent concussion when doing outdoor activities and sports:

• Wearing helmet, where:
  • Ride a bike or motorcycle;
  • Play in contact sports, such as football or hockey;
  • Using skates, scooters, skeytbordı;
  • Horseback riding;
  • Skiing or snowboarding;
• Nadel kappы, masks and other equipment during sports.

To prevent accidents at home:

• Check, the place of games your child is soft and free of rocks, eat, and garbage;
• Use handrails when walking up and down stairs, Teach your child to use them;
• Install handrails in the bathroom;
• Put non-slip mats in the bathtub;
• Keep aisles empty is to avoid tipping things;
• Check, that the rooms and hallways are well lit.