Symptoms of a Concussion:
A concussion is a complex process affecting the brain induced by biomechanical forces. These forces that are referred to are acceleration or impulse forces delivered to the brain. It is often thought that there has to be a loss of consciousness but his is Not necessarily true – over 90% of concussions DO NOT result in a loss of consciousness. Concussions cause a temporary dysfunction in the involved nerves, where they don’t work properly for a period of time and the brain cell disturbance causes the brain cells to discharge uncontrollably which may cause any one, or more, of the following signs or symptoms:
Headache
Pressure in the head
Neck pain
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Balance problems
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to noise
Feeling slowed down
Feeling of “fogginess”
Not feeling right or feeling off
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty remembering
Fatigue or low energy
Confusion
Drowsiness
Trouble falling asleep
More emotional Irritability
Sadness
There is a high suspicion of a concussion injury:
if someone is experiencing any of the symptoms above following a significant hit or blow to the head or body. The common misconception is that you must be hit in the head to cause a concussion injury – this is not true! Because a concussion is the result acceleration or deceleration of the brain, a concussion can happen with a significant blow to anywhere on the body, provided sufficient acceleration/deceleration is transmitted to the brain tissue. These injuries can actually be quite devastating if they are not managed properly. However, if managed properly, concussions are completely recoverable in most cases.
MRI and CAT scans do not show signs of a concussion,
so a baseline test is used to evaluate the brain. What is a Baseline Test?
Concussion Evaluation and Management
It is important that concussed patients receive a proper neurological evaluation as well as proper management advice as soon as possible following injury, as this has a significant impact on their recovery. Please make an appointment with your nearest Complete Concussion Management™ clinic within 24-48 hours of the injury taking place. To find the nearest CCMI clinic, please click here.
