Concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury. A concussion can occur after an injury to the head from getting hit, a fall, or being in an accident. The injury rattles or shakes the brain against the skull. Symptoms of a concussion may include:
- Memory loss (just before and after the injury)
- Confusion
- Headache
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Feeling irritable, anxious, angry out of the ordinary
- Noise or light sensitivity
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vision problems
Testing will depend on the type of head injury. A healthcare provider will ask you a series of questions and also ask you to follow some commands. Based on this, the healthcare provider can assess what is the right approach for treatment. Most concussions are treated with rest and icing the area that was injured. Other medications may be utilized depending on your symptoms and duration. Sometimes antidepressants may be prescribed to help with the symptoms of a concussion.
To help prevent concussions, always wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, and during sports activities when appropriate. Also, wearing a seat belt while driving is important in preventing concussions.
Regardless of the diagnosis, all head injuries should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.