Concussions: Symptoms, First Aid and Treatment of Head Injuries

If consciousness is temporarily lost due to a blow on the head, the victim is said to be suffering a concussion. The brain may be damaged temporarily, in which case there will be no further effects, or damage may be more severe with permanent disability.

Symptoms

Concussion is distinguished by being a transient state and each onset is usually immediate following a head injury. The patient often has no memory of the actual moment of the impact. Immediately after the injury the person may momentarily show a complete loss of nervous function. The patient often suffers vomiting, headache, giddiness and nervousness after the recovery of consciousness.

Following head injury most hospitals and doctors will give a list of symptoms and signs that should be watched for by the patient and relatives and friends. These will include discharge from ear and nose, loss of consciousness, headache, changes in vision, excessive vomiting and unusual or different behavior.

First aid

A person with concussion should be laid down flat in bed with no pillows in a quiet dark room.

No alcohol, tea, coffee, or other stimulants should be given. Any laceration of the scalp or head should receive firm pressure with a cool wet pad. If there is any swelling or lump forming on the head an ice pack will help to reduce further bleeding. If the head aches a dose of soluble aspirin with a glass of water may ease it and will do no harm. It will be very useful later to the doctor if the state of consciousness and behavior of the concussed person has been noted.

Medical treatment

A person suffering from concussion should be examined by a doctor. Sometimes observation in hospital or a skull x-ray (to check if the skull is fractured) may be necessary.

In more serious cases, for instance if there is evidence of intracranial hemorrhage or increasing rise in pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid, surgery to reduce the pressure may be required.

In the absence of other serious injuries, recovery from concussion is usually complete, but with frequent repetition of concussion the individual may become 'punch-drunk'. The term derives from boxing, for there is a high incidence of concussion among boxers. Common features of this condition are slurring of speech, poor concentration and forgetfulness.

Source:

Concussion, MayoClinic.com, Feb 2007

Health Encyclopedia: Concussion, FloridaHealthFinder.gov