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What is Concussion

Concussion

What is Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) which can occur following an impact to your head or during a whiplash type injury that causes the head and brain to shake quickly back and forth.

Common causes of concussion are falls, road traffic accidents, assaults and sporting injuries.

Concussion or TBI can be broken down into a chain of events:

  • First Injury – occurs in the seconds after the impact, these injuries can be classified as closed, open and crush. They are the most common type, causing damage to the arteries and veins running through the brain, allowing a bleed on the brain.
  • Second Injury – This occurs when the brain is starved of oxygen, which in turn increases the damage caused by the first injury. Serious blood loss will impact the amount of oxygen reaching the brain.
  • Third Injury – This can take place days or even weeks after the first and second injury. It is caused by the build up of pressure on the brain owing to bleeding, bruising or swelling in the brain. This in turn reduces the blood circulation around the brain and also damage the soft brain being forced against the hard walls of the skull. This can be fatal, if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of Concussion

 

Whilst in most cases the symptoms will resolve themselves in a few days or weeks, it is important to be aware of the warning signs. Post-concussion syndrome symptoms may continue to occur following the mild TBI or concussion.

Signs and symptoms to look out for:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Increasing disorientation
  • New deafness in one or both ears
  • Problems understanding or speaking
  • Loss of balance or problems walking
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Any weakness in one or both arms or legs
  • Inability to be woken
  • Any vomiting
  • Bleeding from one or both ears
  • Clear fluid coming out of your ears or nose
  • Any fits (collapsing or passing out suddenly)
  • Drowsiness when you would normally be wide awake
  • Severe headache not relieved by painkillers such as paracetamol

If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical advice or visit your local Emergency Department and if possible attend with another responsible adult.

Some Do’s and Don’ts

  • DO make sure you stay within reach of a telephone and medical help in the next few days.
  • DO have plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations
  • DO make friends and family aware of the signs and symptoms and to keep an eye on your condition.
  • DO take painkillers such as paracetamol for headaches
  • DO take steps to increase the amount of oxygen reaching the brain and in particular the damaged areas.
  • DON”T stay at home alone for 48 hours after leaving hospital
  • DON’T drink alcohol until you feel better
  • DON’T take aspirin or sleeping tablets without seeking medical advice
  • DON’T return to work until you feel ready
  • DON’T play any contact sport for at least three weeks without seeking medical advice
  • DON’T return to driving until you feel you have recovered. If in doubt seek medical advice.

Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Increasing disorientation
  • New deafness in one or both ears
  • Problems understanding or speaking
  • Loss of balance or problems walking
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Any weakness in one or both arms or legs
  • Inability to be woken
  • Any vomiting
  • Bleeding from one or both ears
  • Clear fluid coming out of your ears or nose
  • Any fits (collapsing or passing out suddenly)
  • Drowsiness when you would normally be wide awake
  • Severe headache not relieved by painkillers such as paracetamol

Whilst these symptoms are not as severe as the warning signs, they can be very debilitating and frustrating as the effects may be subtle. If they persist for more than two weeks, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

Recovery from Concussion

 

Generally the vast majority of people who experience a mild head injury will make a full recovery after 3 – 4 months. In the rare occasion, recovery for some will not be as straightforward.

Steps you can take to improve your chances of making a full recovery.

Follow the guidelines listed in the DO’s section.

There is also extensive research into the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, playing a major role in helping to repair the damaged areas of the brain by increasing the levels of oxygen being absorbed by the body.

Oxygenated plasma is capable of reaching the smaller areas of the brain and helping to regenerate cells. Some of the major Sporting Events now provide access to Hyperbaric Chambers to provide immediate therapy which helps to reduce inflammation in the damaged areas, along with increasing oxygen levels to areas which have been damaged and starved of oxygen.

For more information on how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can play a major role in the recovery from mild TBI’s and concussion, please visit:

www.oxygenwellbeing.com

For more information around NHS Guidelines, please visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-injury-and-concussion/

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