Concussion Health Article

Treatment

An initial neurological evaluation by a health care worker determines appropriate treatment for an uncomplicated concussion.

If a blow to the head during athletics leads to a bad headache, a feeling of being confused (dazed), or unconsciousness, a trained person must determine when the person can return to playing sports.

If a child or young adult has lost consciousness, that person should not play sports for a period of 3 months. There is an increased rate of brain injury and occasionally death in persons who have had a previous concussion that resulted in unconsciousness.

Concussion complicated by bleeding or brain damage must be treated in a hospital.

Expectations (prognosis)

Full recovery is expected from an uncomplicated concussion, although prolonged dizziness, memory loss, decreased mental functioning, irritability, headaches, and other symptoms may occur.

Complications

• Bleeding in the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage)
• Brain injury that results in physical, emotional, or intellectual changes or deficits

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if anyone has a head injury that produces unconsciousness, or a head injury without unconsciousness that produces symptoms that cause concern.

Call 911 or go the emergency room if emergency signs develop.

Prevention

Attention to safety, including the use of appropriate athletic gear, such as bike helmets and seat belts, reduces the risk of head injury.

References

Ropper AH, Gorson KC. Clinical practice: concussion. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:166-172.

Kirsch TD, Lipinski CJ. Head injury. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill; 2006:chap 255.