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Concussion
How long does it take for a concussion to occur?
Concussion is a mild type of cranial trauma, typically characterized by temporary disturbances in consciousness, such as a coma not exceeding half an hour, along with retrograde amnesia, meaning the inability to recall specific details of the incident. Patients may experience lower blood pressure, pale complexion, as well as symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, tinnitus, blindness, lack of concentration, and memory decline. Most concussion symptoms appear immediately after the injury, and there is usually no latent period.
How to identify a concussion
The first patient has a history of head trauma. The second patient's CT scan did not reveal any substantive changes in brain tissue. The third patient may exhibit some clinical symptoms, such as transient consciousness disorders, typically lasting no more than half an hour. There is also recent memory loss; the patient cannot recall the incident. Additionally, the patient experiences self-reported symptoms of dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, memory decline, and lack of concentration. With these medical histories, some CT scans, and symptoms, a concussion can be diagnosed.
What are the dangers of a concussion?
In general, as long as one follows medical advice, recovery from a concussion is usually quite satisfactory, and it rarely leaves any long-term harm. Short-term harm can result in the patient experiencing some very painful symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, etc. Such subjective experiences can comparatively make the patient suffer. For those who are emotionally excited or fragile, it may even lead to anxiety and depression, which are some of the recent damages. In the long term, some patients might experience a loss of memory, particularly short-term memory, which can also cause some inconvenience in their lives. However, overall, the damage from a concussion is very minimal, and as long as it is treated properly, there is generally no harm in the later stages.
What to do if you feel dizzy from a concussion?
Patients with concussion often exhibit signs of transient consciousness disorders and recent memory loss after injury. Some patients may experience varying degrees of headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blindness, and other clinical symptoms. If a patient with concussion experiences dizziness, the first step is to rule out the possibility of intracranial organic lesions through examination of the head and body. Then, the patient should rest in bed in a quiet environment with dim lighting. Additionally, symptomatic treatment with medications, including some that expand cerebral blood vessels, can be administered.
Symptoms of concussion
The primary symptoms of concussion mainly manifest as, initially, disturbances in consciousness such as patient comas, typically lasting no longer than half an hour. The second is recent memory loss, where the patient is unable to recall the circumstances of the injury. At the time of injury, the patient may also appear pale and experience a drop in blood pressure. Post-injury symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, poor sleep, reduced memory, lack of concentration, and even tinnitus among various other clinical manifestations.
What department should I go to for a concussion?
Concussion is a relatively mild form of traumatic brain injury, usually involving disturbances in consciousness and short-term memory loss, with patients unable to recall the incident. Symptoms may include a drop in blood pressure, pale complexion, headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, reduced memory, or lack of concentration. Long-term effects can appear three months later. Patients with concussion can be treated in neurology or neurosurgery departments, among others.
Is a concussion considered a minor injury?
Patients with concussion exhibit a brief disturbance in consciousness due to injury, which does not last more than half an hour. They also experience recent memory loss, meaning patients cannot recall the circumstances of the injury. Additionally, some patients may experience a range of clinical symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, and decreased memory. The vast majority of concussion patients can recover with one to two weeks of rest. Furthermore, head CT scans of concussion patients do not show any organic changes. Therefore, concussions are generally not considered minor injuries.
What to check for a concussion?
A head CT scan for concussion usually does not show organic changes, as it primarily stems from temporary dysfunction of brain neurological functions. The main symptoms include brief disturbances in consciousness, retrograde amnesia, and some patients may also experience a series of clinical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. For patients with concussion, what we need to do is a head CT scan or an MRI of the head to rule out organic brain lesions. The second option is to examine the cerebrospinal fluid. The third option is to conduct an electroencephalogram (EEG) test.
Is a concussion scary?
Firstly, a concussion is the mildest form of brain injury, mainly characterized by transient consciousness disturbances, generally not lasting more than half an hour. The second characteristic is recent memory loss, with an inability to recall the circumstances of the injury. At the time of the injury, one may also experience pale complexion, blood pressure drop, and pupil constriction. After the injury, some patients may suffer from dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, tinnitus, lack of concentration, and memory decline, among other clinical symptoms. Patients with a concussion generally recover after 1-2 weeks of systematic treatment, and the majority of concussions are recoverable, so they are not as fearsome as believed.
Is a concussion dangerous?
Concussion is not a severe brain injury and there is no need for excessive worry; symptomatic supportive treatment is usually sufficient. Typically, rest is advised, along with a light diet, regular living habits, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol. If necessary, treatment may include neuro-nutritive medications and drugs to improve microcirculation. Generally, symptoms should subside within one to two weeks. It is important to note that concussions occur after head trauma, and there is a certain likelihood of re-bleeding within the first three days following the trauma. After three days, the possibility of intracranial hemorrhage becomes very very low. Therefore, post-concussion there is still some risk, and it is necessary to closely monitor any changes in the condition, potentially requiring hospitalization for observation and treatment.