Concussions and Head Injuries

Concussion, also referred to as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) results when the brain moves or twists inside the skull. A concussion is caused by a blow or a jolt to the head resulting in damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the brain leading to chemical changes that temporarily stop the brain from working like it should. After the blow, the brain directs all the energy to heal itself and sends the body signals to slow down and avoid physical activities. Concussions can cause headaches, neck pain, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and more.

Head injury, as the name implies is a condition that affects the head including the skull and brain. Head injury can range from mild like a bump to a serious traumatic brain injury. Head injury can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, loss of consciousness, difficulty making decisions, seizures, and more. Head injuries can be caused by sports injuries, accidents, falls, etc. Head injuries resulting in bleeding inside the skull can cause severe complications also resulting in stroke.

A variety of medical professionals, including primary care physicians, neurologists, and concussion specialists, can diagnose and treat concussions. The specialist diagnoses concussion through physical examination, neurological exam, or specific concussion tests.

• Physical Exam: The doctor might conduct a physical exam to ask about the symptoms, moment of injury that caused symptoms, and how long it took to develop the symptoms. The doctor may also check for reflexes, balance, coordination, and neurological function. The physical exam may also involve solving puzzles to check for problem-solving skills, memory, and ability to concentrate.
• CT Scan: Recommended for moderate to severe trauma with symptoms like vomiting, headache, etc. 
• MRI: Recommended for severe and selective cases with persistent symptoms.

Diagnosis of head injuries is done through a physical exam and neurological exam. A specialist might ask about the symptoms, when they started, and what caused it. Further, the specialist might recommend some imaging tests like concussion tests, CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and blood tests.

Treatment of concussion is focused on symptom management and preventing complications. The first line of treatment is rest and taking a break from all intense activities. Some of the common treatment options for concussion include:

• Rest: Take rest from physical activity like avoiding strenuous activities, gym, sports, etc and mentally demanding tasks like studying, reading, and other work tasks.
• Symptom Management: Treatment involves the management of common symptoms of concussion including headache, nausea, sleep issues, and cognitive issues through medications, diet changes, counselling, and more. 
• Gradually Returning to Activities: Once the symptoms start improvising gradual return to activities is advised including walking and light jogging. The level of activities should be gradually increased. 

Treatment of head injuries depends upon the type and severity - ranging from mild to severe. Initial care for mild head injuries involves applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and cleaning the minor cuts and abrasions with antiseptic. Moderate to severe head injuries with symptoms like loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizures, etc require emergency services. Some of the common treatment options include:

• Medications: Treatment through medication helps reduce swelling and control pain. This is usually recommended for individuals with mild head injury. 
• Surgery: Treatment through surgery is recommended for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. Surgery may be suggested to remove a blood clot, repair a skull fracture, and relieve pressure on the brain. 

Recovery from concussion involves resting, avoiding strenuous activities, and managing the symptoms. However, recovery time from concussion varies, some people might recover within a few weeks to a month while some individuals may experience symptoms lasting for months. Several factors play a role in recovery including rest, return to activities, age, severity of injury, etc.
Recovery from head injuries is influenced by the type and severity of the injury. Mild head injury takes around a few days to a few weeks to recover with proper rest and recommended medications, while moderate to severe conditions may take a few months to years. 

Seeing a doctor is usually recommended after a concussion or head injury. Keep noticing the symptoms post-injury and if there are any signs including loss of consciousness, severe headaches, repeated vomiting, slurred speech and more consulting a medical professional is recommended. The symptoms might show immediately or gradually show up within a few hours. 
Additionally, seeing a doctor is also recommended if symptoms do not improve or start to worsen during the recovery period. Also, special care is needed for people aged over 65, who are using blood thinners and had previous head injuries.