What is a concussion?
A concussion is an interruption in normal brain activity, usually due to a trauma involving the head such as getting hit with a ball, hitting your head getting in or out of a car, falling, etc. It can happen to anyone – not just professional athletes! Symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and problems with things like memory, balance, and coordination. You may also lose consciousness, but this does not happen in every case.
Many concussions go undiagnosed and untreated. Concussion injuries do not cause permanent structural damage to the brain, but they often require treatment to get better.
How is a concussion diagnosed?
Doctors specializing in the brain and central nervous system, as well as emergency room doctors, can diagnosis a concussion. First, the doctor will do a physical examination that includes testing the patient’s motor skills (such as walking), memory, brain function, and asking about emotional changes.
If the doctor is concerned that you may have a more severe traumatic brain injury, they may do a CT or MRI scan.
CT Scan
Computed tomography (CT) scans use x-ray equipment and computer processing to create two-dimensional images of the body. In this case, the images are of your brain. These images can show whether your brain is bruised, swollen, or bleeding, or whether you have a skull or spine fracture.
MRI Scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans use a magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer to produce detailed images of body. In this case, the images are of your brain. In some cases, MRI scans can provide better, more detailed images than CT scans. They may be able to show your doctor small changes within the brain itself.
How is a concussion treated?
One of the best early treatments to allow your brain to recover from a concussion is rest. Depending on how serious the concussion is, you will need to rest for days. Sometimes you might even need to rest for weeks. This means limiting both physical and mental activity - avoiding sports and other physical activities, as well as watching TV, using a computer, listening to music, and driving. You may need time off of work, or to work shorter days.
But it’s important to get the right amount of rest. Too much rest can cause your symptoms to last for longer than they otherwise would. Because of this, getting in touch with a medical provider soon after your injury is extremely important. A good physical therapist with special training in concussions, along with a medical specialist, can help you figure out when and you can go back to doing physical activity.
If you have headaches, your doctor may tell you to take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Sometimes, prescription medications may be needed. Follow-up appointments with your doctor will help you know when it is safe to go back to all normal activities.