Concussion

Here are current evidence-based information on concussions!

Concussions are very common in contact sports. Actual incidence of concussion range between 1.4 to 3.8 million cases in the United states per year. Football accounts for the highest number and percentage of athletic-related concussion (B.Ferry et al, 2021)

Concussions are subcategory of TBI (traumatic brain injury). Most concussions resolve within 7-10 days. If the concussion persists longer than 10 days, the patient should seek specialized professional help and other differential diagnosis should be considered.

Children and adolescents may recover longer than adults.

concussion

MOI (Mechanism of injury)

Concussions are often caused biomechanically through a blow to the head, face or neck. It can result from any blow which transmits a force to the head either directly or indirectly. The impact from the hit is transmitted to the brain which is made up of soft tissue and is protected by spinal fluid and blood.

The hit to the brain may alter brain function.

Clinical Presentation

Here are some possible symptoms after a concussion.

Chronic headaches, dizziness, vertigo, balance impairment, behavioral changes (irritability), difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance, word finding problems, depression, etc.

- Symptoms are variable among the concussed population but generally affects 4 main domains (Affective/emotional, Cognitive function, Physical/Somatic and Sleep)

Evaluation:

1) The Side line Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) is the most commonly used tools for concussion assessment after a potential head injury. The child SCAT-5 is for children between 5-12 y.o. The test should be administered in a quiet setting with little distraction.

2) CT scan of the head is radiographic study of choice to rule out neurosurgical emergencies. A negative finding does not however mean that a person is not suffering from a concussion. The MRI is used to confirm persistent post-concussive symptoms.

headache

Prognosis:

Prognosis for a someone with concussion is generally good. Most will recover within a month. The severity of symptoms following a concussion is a consistent prognostic indicator. (P. McCrory et al. 2017)

For more information on this injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider!

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