Human Shark Week continues with a discussion about concussions. The really interesting thing about concussions these days is many individuals seem to have convinced themselves that the risk of a concussion or even continuing in football, wrestling, boxing or MMA type activities after having had concussions won’t deter them from pursuing the glory, fame and fortune to be obtained in putting themselves at risk. That’s a fascinating but very flawed concept, as evidenced by the increasing suicide rate among concussed former athletes.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blunt or penetrating head blow that disrupts some aspect of normal brain function. TBIs may produce changes ranging from brief alterations in mental status or consciousness to an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia (It’s important to note that not all blows to the head result in a TBI.). For the purposes of this discussion, the majority of TBIs that occur each year are concussions. In terms of societal impact, TBIs contributes to a remarkable number of deaths and permanent disability. Every year, at least 1.7 million TBIs occur in the US.
Health care professionals may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious. Concussive symptoms usually fall in one of four categories:
- Thinking/remembering
- Physical
- Emotional/mood
- Sleep
Red Flags:
Get to the ER right away if you have any of the following danger signs after any type of head injury, no matter how minor it may seem:
- Any difficulty being awakened
- Any loss of consciousness, confusion or significant agitation
- Have one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other
- Loss of ability to recognize people, places or inability to identify the date or themselves
- Loss of motion or sensation, weakness, numbness or loss of coordination
- Persistent, worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting.
- Slurred speech or difficulty with expression
- Seizures
- Kids will not stop crying and cannot be consoled
- Kids will not nurse or eat
This afternoon, in Part II, we will discuss complications and treatment options.
