Concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury, is a head injury that temporarily affects brain functioning. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness; memory loss; headaches; difficulty with thinking, concentration or balance; nausea; blurred vision; sleep disturbances; and mood changes. Any of these symptoms may begin immediately, or appear days after the injury. Concussion should be suspected if a person indirectly or directly hits their head and experiences any of the symptoms of concussion. It is not unusual for symptoms to last 2 weeks in adults and 4 weeks in children. Fewer than 10% of sports-related concussions among children are associated with loss of consciousness. Common causes include motor vehicle collisions, falls, sports injuries, and bicycle accidents. Risk factors include drinking alcohol and a prior history of concussion. The mechanism of injury involves either a direct blow to the head or forces elsewhere on the body that are transmitted to the head.
Specialty | Emergency medicine, neurology |
Symptoms | Headache, trouble with thinking, memory or concentration, nausea, blurry vision, sleep disturbances, mood changes |
Duration | Up to 4 weeks |
Causes | Motor vehicle collisions, falls, sports injuries, bicycle accidents |
Risk factors | Drinking alcohol, playing contact sports such as American football, previous history of concussion |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms |
Prevention | Helmets when bicycling or motorbiking |
Medication | Paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs |
Treatment | Physical and cognitive rest for a day or two with a gradual return to activities |
Frequency | 6 per 1,000 people a year |
About Concussion
Sports drama about a doctor who uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players. The film made its premiere at AFI Fest and grossed $48 million worldwide.
Achievement of Concussion
The film was inspired by a 2009 GQ article titled Game Brain, written by Jeanne Marie Laskas.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About Concussion
Concussions in American football - Concussions and other types of repetitive play-related head blows in American football have been shown to be the cause of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which has led to player deaths and other debilitating symptoms after retirement, including memory loss, depression, anxiety, headaches, and.... Concussion in Rugby Union - Concussions in England's professional rugby union are the most common injury received. Concussion can occur where an individual experiences an impact to the head. Commonly occurring in high contact sporting activities; American football, boxing, mma and the rugby codes.. Head injury criterion - The Head Injury Criterion is a measure of the likelihood of head injury arising from an impact. The HIC can be used to assess safety related to vehicles, personal protective gear, and sport equipment.. Helmet removal (sports).. Athletic training.. Neurotrauma.. Psychiatric diagnosis.
Latest information about Concussion updated on July 28 2021.