15038 Concussion

Overview

A concussion is a type of mild brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that makes the brain move quickly back and forth inside the skull. This movement can stretch and damage brain cells and cause chemical changes in the brain, which temporarily affects how the brain works.

Yes, concussions are common. They are one of the most frequent head injuries seen in general practice and emergency departments.

Anyone can get a concussion, but they are especially common in children and young adults who play sports, in older adults who fall, and in people involved in car accidents or other trauma.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting (usually right after or within a few hours)
• Confusion or feeling 'in a fog'
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Blurred or double vision
• Feeling tired or having low energy
• Mood changes, such as irritability or sadness
• Sleeping more or less than usual

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or irritability
• Listlessness or seeming tired and uninterested
• Crying more than usual
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• A blank stare or slow response to questions
• Loss of interest in favorite toys or games

Symptoms in older adults

• Memory problems or feeling confused
• Balance problems or increased risk of falls
• Slower thinking or difficulty speaking clearly
• Changes in mood, such as becoming withdrawn or depressed
• Symptoms may be mistaken for signs of aging or dementia

Causes

Main causes

• Falls — the most common cause in all age groups
• Sports injuries — especially in football, rugby, hockey, and other contact sports
• Car, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents
• Being struck by an object or a blow to the head with force
• Assault or physical violence

Risk factors

• Playing contact sports, especially without proper protective equipment
• Not wearing a helmet when cycling, skiing, or riding a motorcycle
• Being elderly and having unsteadiness or mobility problems
• Having weak muscles or poor balance
• A previous concussion, which makes another one more likely
• Working in high-risk occupations, such as construction or the military

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You experience any of the emergency symptoms listed above, such as a seizure, repeated vomiting, or worsening confusion — call your local emergency number immediately.
• You or your child had a head injury and are taking blood-thinning medicines — even if symptoms seem mild.
• Symptoms worsen at any time in the first 48 hours after the injury.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You hit your head and have any concussion symptoms, even if they seem mild.
• You have a headache or dizziness that is not going away.
• You or your child had a concussion and are not recovering as expected after a few days.
• You are unsure whether the injury was serious enough to need a check-up.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about how the injury happened, listen to your symptoms, and do a physical and neurological examination. They will check your balance, coordination, memory, concentration, vision, and other brain functions.

Tests that may be done

• A standard neurological exam, which checks how your brain controls movement, senses, and reflexes
• A cognitive test to check memory, attention, and how quickly you process information
• Sometimes a CT scan or MRI scan of the brain — but this is only done if the doctor suspects a more serious injury, such as bleeding inside the skull
• In some cases, a doctor may use a formal concussion assessment tool that asks about symptoms and tests balance or reaction time

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis is based mainly on your symptoms and the findings of your examination. You may not need any scans. The doctor will explain what you can expect, how to manage symptoms at home, and when you should come back or get emergency help.

Treatment

The main treatment for a concussion is rest — both physical rest and mental rest — followed by a gradual, step-by-step return to normal activities. This is often called 'relative rest'. It is important to avoid doing too much too soon, but also to avoid staying inactive for too long.

Self-care at home

• Rest your brain: take breaks from screens, reading, studying, or mentally demanding tasks.
• Rest your body: avoid heavy exercise, sports, and heavy lifting until symptoms improve.
• Get plenty of sleep at night and take short naps if you feel tired.
• Eat and drink normally, and keep yourself hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can slow recovery.
• Use simple pain relief for headaches only if your doctor recommends it — do not take medicines without checking.
• Return to school, work, or usual activities gradually, building up over days or weeks.

Medical treatments

There is no specific drug that cures a concussion. Your doctor may recommend certain medicines to manage symptoms such as headache, nausea, or trouble sleeping, but they will prescribe these based on your individual needs. It is very important not to take any medication without asking your doctor, especially in the first days after a head injury.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for a concussion itself. It is only considered if the injury causes a more serious problem, such as bleeding or swelling in the brain that needs to be relieved. This is a separate and rare diagnosis.

Living with this condition

Give yourself time. Recovery from a concussion is different for everyone. Most people feel better within a few days to a few weeks, but sometimes symptoms last longer. Be patient with yourself, and do not try to push through the symptoms.

Lifestyle tips

• Stick to a regular daily routine, but keep it light and relaxed.
• Avoid loud environments, bright lights, and crowded places if they bother you.
• Limit screen time and take frequent breaks when you must use a device.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery until your doctor says it is safe.
• Tell your workplace, school, or teachers about your injury so you can get support.
• Do not return to sports or any activity with a risk of another head injury until you have been cleared by a healthcare professional.

Diet and exercise

Eat regular, healthy meals and drink plenty of water. Light physical activity, such as a short walk, is usually helpful once symptoms are not getting worse. However, you should avoid heavy exercise, contact sports, and activities that might shake your head until your doctor says it is safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low after a concussion, especially if symptoms last longer than expected. These feelings can be part of the injury itself. If you feel depressed, have panic attacks, or feel overwhelmed, talk to your doctor. Do not struggle alone.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every concussion, but you can reduce the risk. Wearing a properly fitted helmet for cycling, skiing, and contact sports can help protect your head. You can also make your home safer for older adults by removing trip hazards and improving lighting. Always follow road safety rules, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Complications

If left untreated

• A longer or slower recovery, with symptoms lasting for weeks or months
• Post-concussion syndrome — a condition where symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and trouble concentrating last for a long time
• Second impact syndrome — a rare but dangerous problem that can happen if you get a second concussion before the first one has healed
• A higher risk of getting another concussion
• In some cases, long-term difficulties with memory, attention, or mood

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with a concussion is very good. With proper rest, careful monitoring, and a gradual return to activities, the vast majority of people recover fully within a few weeks. Even if symptoms last longer, most people continue to improve over time. The key is to be patient and gentle with yourself while your brain heals.

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