What are Concussions?
A concussion is a brain injury.
Concussion, also known as “mild” Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), is caused by a single impact to the head and temporarily impairs brain function. This impact creates abnormally strong rotational forces to the brain, causing damage to brain nerve cells and the shearing of brain cells. This may lead to problems with memory, communication, personality changes, and sleep disruption as well as depression and suicidal ideation.
About 40% of brain injuries (the largest group of all brain injuries sustained every year) are classified as mild, in that they don’t register concern based on CT scan results, or dictate a need for a CT scan when the individual attends A&E.
What are the Symptoms of a Concussion?
Concussion produces symptoms that an individual is aware of (e.g. headache, dizziness), or signs that another person can see (e.g. balance disturbances). Symptoms of concussion can be both physical and cognitive, and/or cause changes in sleep and emotions.
Loss of consciousness (being knocked out) occurs in less than 10% of concussions. It is not required to diagnose a concussion.
How Long do Concussions Last?
A concussion can last from hours to days and depends on each individual case. Early recognition is key.
Initially, there is a need for 24-48 hours of rest, followed by a gradual resumption of everyday activity, and then a graduated return to cognitive and physical activity. For more serious symptoms, the period of rest should be extended and a reduction in physical activity recommended. While the more serious concussions can last anywhere from weeks to months, it is vitally important to confidently know the signs of a concussion and to contact your healthcare professional for the correct guidance and advice.
Repetitive concussions with sub-concussions lead to long-term progressive symptoms of brain injury including Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to dementia.
Symptoms include:
- Memory problems;
- A decline in thinking ability;
- Confusion;
- Aggression;
- Depression; and
- Changes in personality.
CTE is debilitating and life-changing for those affected and their families and friends.
Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS)
While concussion symptoms will likely settle for most people after a short time, they may persist over two to four weeks on a gradually-diminishing basis. But changes in the brain (white matter brain connections and blood flow) can persist a year or more after a concussion.
Up to 1 in 3 individuals will develop Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS), meaning an extended recovery time with cognitive, behavioural and emotional difficulties. This can last for months to years. PPCS symptoms vary from one individual to another, but common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Cognitive difficulties
- Emotional changes
These symptoms can significantly impact everyday life. Individuals with PPCS are at greater risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.
Females experience more significant post-concussion issues and a longer period of recovery post-concussion. Post-concussion anxiety and depression are widely recognised as more prevalent in females than males by 2:1.
While there is no single treatment for concussion, with appropriate medical care, plenty of rest and specialist support where appropriate, most people will make a good recovery.
Author: Judith McMinn
