A concussion is a brain injury caused by jerking of the brain inside the skull as a result of a head injury. The most common cause of a concussion is a blow or impact that causes the brain to hit a part of the skull. Often an injury called "kickback" is sustained when the brain bounces off the opposite side of the skull after the initial impact. The severity of a concussion can vary, and it may be necessary to see a neurologist for evaluation and treatment.
The skull is designed to act as a large padded box for the brain and generally does a very good job of protecting the brain from injury. However, when the skull comes to a sudden stop, the laws of physics still apply, and the brain will stay in motion until it encounters an obstacle in the shape of the inside of the skull. Researchers are divided on whether or not concussion causes actual physical damage to the brain, but acknowledge that concussion can cause a variety of symptoms. Also, people who experience repeated concussions, such as athletes in contact sports, are at higher risk of developing neurological problems later in life.
Sometimes the patient loses consciousness after the blow. In other cases, the patient remains alert. Someone with a concussion will experience symptoms such as confusion, nausea, vomiting, headache, and amnesia. It is also possible to develop post-concussion syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, frequent headaches, confusion, and sensitivity to light that can persist for up to a year. While people do experience symptoms, they are generally advised to avoid contact sports and overexertion.
There are some risks for a concussion, so it is important to monitor the patient until stable. Sometimes people develop seizures after such injuries. They also run the risk of bleeding inside the skull and swelling of the brain. It is also possible that the initial symptoms are treated as signs of a concussion when they are actually caused by a more serious concussion, in which the brain is actually physically damaged.
If someone is at risk for a concussion and is showing telltale signs, they should be taken to a doctor for treatment. The physician can evaluate the patient and provide treatment recommendations. The primary treatment for concussion is simply resting to give the brain and body a chance to recover. However, medical imaging studies can be done to check for signs of concussion complications, such as swelling, so they can be addressed right away.