A concussion is an injury to the tissue or blood vessels of the brain. It is also called a "closed head injury" or "mild traumatic brain injury" (MTBI). Concussions happen when the soft tissues of the brain are forced against the bone of the skull. The injury can cause the brain to have trouble working normally for a short time. Mild concussions are common in sport and are usually not a serious problem. Concussions can be further described by the following categories:
Grade 1: A mild concussion. No loss of consciousness (was not "knocked out"). The person may have been dazed or confused for a short time after the injury. Normal thinking and behaviour returns within 20 minutes of the injury. No physical activity for a week is recommended and seek medical advice at earliest convenience.
Grade 2: The person did not lose consciousness, but was not thinking clearly for more than 20 minutes after the injury. Also, the person may not remember what happened. Seek medical advice promptly.
Grade 3: Loss of consciousness for a short time. Seek medical advice urgently.
It is not always easy to know if someone has a concussion. Not everyone who has a concussion passes out. A person who might have a concussion should immediately stop any kind of activity or sport. Becoming active again before the brain returns to normal functioning increases the person's risk of having a more serious brain injury.
Symptoms of a concussion range from mild to severe and can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. If you notice any symptoms of a concussion, contact your doctor. These may include(but are not limited to) passing out, loss of memory, acting confused, slurring of words, inability to concentrate, lightheadedness, seeing stars, blurry vision, difficulty walking, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, seeing stars, ringing in the ears.
Occasionally a person who has a more serious concussion develops new symptoms over time and feels worse than he or she did before the injury. This is called post-concussive syndrome. If you have symptoms of post-concussive syndrome, call your doctor. Symptoms include (but are not limited to)headaches, vertigo, change in mood, change in personality, loss of concentration, change in sleep pattern.
This information should only be used as a guide and does not replace the assessment of a professional health care provider.
Tez is a registered physiotherapist with Pinnacle Sports Physiotherapy Centers. For more info visit www.pinnaclephysio.com or call (250) 762 3322.
Concussions: More than a headache
