Concussion
What is a Concussion?
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results in a sudden but often short lived loss of mental function after a blow or other injury to the head. During a head injury that is severe enough to cause concussion the brain is moved out of its normal position disrupting electrical activity in the brain cells and the brain stops working properly for a short period.
The most common symptoms of concussion include headache, memory loss, disturbance in vision and confusion.
How to prevent a Concussion
In day to day life, concussion happens typically by accident and chance so there are no real preventative measures other than keep aware and safe. Work or physical activities such as cycling or working on a construction site, requires people to wear head protection so always follow safety protocol.
With boxing a risk of concussion is accepted with protective head gear a requirement of amateur boxing.
How to treat a Concussion
An uncomplicated concussion may simply need time to heal but severe cases may take several days / weeks to heal due to the number of potential complications that may arise. A doctor should be contacted if the patient has been unconscious for more than a couple of minutes, if speech becomes slurred and if the patient vomits or begins to fit.
The only true way to recover from concussion is to rest and give your brain enough time to recuperate and heal. In order to do this, you'll need to stay away from activity for some time, especially activity that involves contact. Most doctors suggest, at minimum of two weeks.
For more severe concussions:
- Apply ice to the head injury to help reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly to your scalp as this could damage the skin. Instead, wrap the ice in a washcloth or towel. Apply the ice every two to four hours and leave in place for 20-30 minutes.
- Take plenty of rest and, where possible, avoid stressful situations.
- Avoid drinking any alcohol or taking recreational drugs.
- Only return to work, college or school when you feel you have completely recovered.
- Only drive a car or ride a bike when you have completely recovered.
- Make sure you have someone to stay with you for the first 48 hours after the injury, in case you experience more serious follow-up symptoms.
