In this Article

• What is concussion and what causes concussion?
• What are the types of concussion?
• What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?
• How is concussion diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for concussion?
• How can concussion be prevented?
• What is the future of concussion?
• Brain Concussion Glossary
• Brain Concussion Index

What are the types of concussion?

Historically, attempts to classify the severity of concussion were based on the loss of consciousness and its duration, and the presence of amnesia. It was presumed that there was a correlation between those two events and the amount of potential brain damage. The International Conference on Concussion in Sports recommended that concussion be divided into two groups: simple and complex.

• Simple concussion: In a simple concussion, the person the symptoms gradually resolve, and the patient returns to normal function in 7 – 10 days.
  
  
• Complex concussion: In complex concussions, symptoms persist and thought processes are affected. Patients with repeated concussions would fall into the complex category.

What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?

The signs and symptoms of concussion may be obvious or subtle. Much of the experience in caring for mild head injuries comes from the treatment of sports injuries. Football, hockey, and soccer have high potential for head injury, and player research has given insight into what symptoms may occur.

While dramatic, loss of consciousness or seizure are not common in concussion and do not predict severity. More common are mild confusion and disorientation. Symptoms tend not to be objective and may be hard to describe. As well, they may be delayed for many hours after injury, and sometimes the initial injury may have been forgotten or discounted.

Typical symptoms of concussion include:

• Headache
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Dazed feeling
  
  
• Visual symptoms
  
  
• Irritability

Physical Signs

Since, by definition, concussion does not damage the structure of the brain, the physical examination should be normal. More subtle findings may include:

• Slow to answer questions or follow directions
  
  
• Poor concentration
  
  
• Emotional lability (emotional changes or instability)
  
  
• Slurred speech
  
  
• Personality changes

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

CT Scan - CAT Scan / CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) information. Learn what a CAT Scan is, why it is performed, risks, and how to prepare for a CAT scan Source:MedicineNet Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder) - Learn about epilepsy, or seizure disorder. Causes include head injury, trauma, prenatal injury, poisoning, medications, stroke, heart attacks, alcoholism, infection, and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included in the information. Source:Government Hydrocephalus - Learn about hydrocephalus (water on the brain) causes like brain trauma, stroke, infection, tumor, and more. Source:Government Read 18 more Brain Concussion related articles ... High School Football Head Injury Risk Girls' Soccer: Concussion Risk Guarding Against Gridiron Concussion No Link Between Amateur Boxing, Long-Term Brain Damage