A concussion is a mild type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, and sometimes leads to a brief loss of consciousness. They’re fairly common among all age groups, with young kids, older folks, and teens—especially those who play sports—being particularly vulnerable.
In the U.S., around 223,135 people were hospitalized due to traumatic brain injuries in 2019, reflecting only those who sought medical help. Annually, it’s estimated that between 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur in the country. Since every concussion, regardless of its perceived severity, requires medical attention, it’s crucial to understand how they happen, recognize the symptoms, and learn how to prevent and address them.
Symptoms differ from person to person, with some experiencing several symptoms and others just one or two. Contrary to what many might think, losing consciousness is not a common symptom and happens in only about 10% of cases. Typical concussion symptoms fall into four categories and can show up right after the injury or take days or even weeks to appear, depending on the severity and location of the impact.
Concussions result from the brain’s rapid back-and-forth motion inside the skull due to a head impact or a sudden body jolt, leading to chemical changes and sometimes damage to brain cells. Common causes include falls, especially among people over 75 and young kids under five, and sports injuries, notably in young adults aged 15 to 24. Males are generally at a higher risk than females.
Young children and the elderly often get concussions from accidental falls, while sports pose a higher risk for young adults. About 300,000 sports-related concussions happen annually in the U.S., with over 60,000 of these in high school contact sports like football and soccer.
Concussions are diagnosed through a physical exam by a healthcare professional, assessing factors like hearing, vision, balance, and cognitive symptoms like memory or confusion. Diagnostic imaging like CT or MRI scans are usually unnecessary unless severe symptoms indicate potential swelling or hemorrhage.
There’s no quick fix for concussions; recovery involves rest and managing symptoms, typically taking about 7 to 14 days, though some people might need up to a month. It’s important to seek medical attention following any head injury. Healthcare providers can give you the best treatment plan based on your case. After a short rest, gradually starting light activities is crucial while avoiding anything strenuous or risky.
Once symptoms ease, begin light activities at home, and with improvements, slowly return to work or school with necessary accommodations like frequent breaks and minimal stress. Both physical and cognitive rest are key, potentially requiring young athletes to pause sports and rigorous mental tasks if symptoms get worse.
Although total physical inactivity isn’t advised post-concussion, light exercise like walking may benefit recovery. Over-the-counter pain relievers, especially Tylenol (acetaminophen), can help with headaches, but NSAIDs like Advil should be avoided to reduce bleeding risks. Staying hydrated and eating manageable foods is also essential.
If prolonged symptoms begin affecting daily life, consulting therapists—whether behavioral, physical, or occupational—can aid in addressing the various side effects. While concussions can’t always be avoided, especially in sports, following best practices can help reduce the risk. Recent research indicates concussions could heighten the risk of long-term physical and mental health issues. Although they aren’t permanent, and recovery usually follows proper treatment and rest, a small number might experience symptoms beyond the typical recovery period. Occasionally, people face post-concussive syndrome, but this too tends to resolve with time.
Overall, focusing on these treatments and exercising patience while your brain recovers is key to managing concussions effectively.
