Concussion is a term that is often bandied about as though it involves a simple set of effects, which are always the same. But nothing that happens to the brain is ever simple.
Concussion is an indication of traumatic brain injury, the effects of which can be temporary or permanent. If a person is concussed, there is the possibility of brain damage. This is not meant to be alarmist, because most people do make a good recovery. However, there are others who are left with effects that can be perplexing in terms of their effect on everyday life. Concussion can at least be a useful sign, and it suggests that attention should be paid to the symptoms. However, sometime there can be no concussion following a blow to the head, yet the person is no less in danger of having some mild damage to the brain.
The symptoms of a concussion are effectively identical to those associated with mild brain injury. These include headache, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, memory problems, irritability, short attention span, fatigue and dizziness. These effects are perplexing enough in their own right, yet usually they will pass. For an unlucky few, they will persist in their own right and also associated with long-term cognitive and physical problems.
The cognitive problems potentially associated with mild brain injury or concussion include memory problems, poor concentration and attention, irritability, anger and proneness to stress, being self-centered, dependency and lack of insight, poor problem solving and impulsivity. These problems can also include fatigue, lack of initiative and motivation, inappropriate behavior and poor social skills, slowed responses and depression and lack of emotional control. Obviously not everyone with mild concussion is going to suffer from all of these symptoms. However, if two or more of these symptoms appear and are out of character for the person, there is real cause for concern.
Symptoms of concussion are usually associated with cognitive deficits, but physical deficits can be equally debilitating and especially perplexing if they are unexpected. These physical symptoms of concussion can include loss of taste and smell, epilepsy and seizures, headaches, visual problems, paralysis of different parts of the body, dizziness, fatigue and chronic pain.
A person coming out of a concussion will often have what is known as 'post traumatic amnesia'. This means that the person will not be able to remember what happened recently, or even a few minutes ago. They may also be confused about such things as time of day or the day of the week, and who and where they are. Typically a post traumatic amnesia of less than five minutes would be considered to be a very mild injury. However, even the most mild of brain injuries should be taken seriously and any consequent effects should also be heeded. Professional help and treatment should always be sought.
