Concussion: ‘a minor traumatic brain injury caused by trauma to the head’
This is often caused by sports injuries or violent head movements which can occur during traffic collisions.
Concussion causes disruption to electrical activity in the brain, resulting in a number of symptoms which can last up to a week. These include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Loss of memory
- Difficulty in understanding or communicating
- Sensitivity to light or noise
The listed symptoms often resolve with rest and gradual return to normal activity levels.
50% of concussion patients can develop post concussion syndrome, this can last from weeks-months.
Post Concussion Syndrome Symptoms
- Seizures
- Cognitive problems including poor concentration and decision making
- Emotional behavioural problems including depression
Studies have shown that these patients recover faster with physiotherapy input rather than rest. Physiotherapy can help to rehabilitate and restore vestibular function, this includes balance and headaches.
If you know someone who has had a head injury, keep an eye out for emergency signs
- Severe neck pain
- Deteriorating consciousness
- Increased confusion and irritability
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Unusual behaviour
- Convulsions
- Vision /hearing problems
- Weakness/ tingling in the arms or legs
