Concussion: an overview of symptoms and treatment

What is a concussion?

A concussion or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) is the most common, but least severe, type of traumatic brain injury.1 Under normal circumstances the brain floats within the skull surrounded by Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF). The job of the CSF is to protect the brain from normal light "trauma" such as being jostled in the skull by walking and jumping as well as protecting it against other mild head impacts.

The problem occurs when more severe impacts (such as falls, playground injuries, car accidents and bike accidents) happen that may not been absorbed by the CSF. When this occurs, the person is said to have a concussion meaning that, literally, the brain has struck the skull.

Doctor use the following grades to describe a concussion and how it affects the body:
Grade 1

A person suffering a Grade 1 concussion experiences only confusion. This is considered the mildest grade of concussion.

Grade 2

A person suffering a Grade 2 concussion experiences confusion plus anterograde amnesia that last less than five (5) minutes. (permanent brain damage may occur)

Grade 3

A person suffering a Grade 3 concussion experiences all of the symptoms associated with a Grade 1 and Grade 2 concussion as well as retrograde amnesia and unconsciousness that last less than five (5) minutes. (permanent brain damage may occur)

Grade 4

A person suffering a Grade 4 concussion experiences all of the symptoms associated with a Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 concussion as well as unconsciousness that last between five (5) and ten (10) minutes.

Grade 5

A person suffering a Grade 5 concussion experiences all of the symptoms associated with a Grade 4 concussion, however, unconsciousness last longer than ten (10) minutes.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Symptoms of a concussion can include a period of unconsciousness (as outlined above), vomiting and visual disturbances. One of the hallmark symptoms of a concussion is the retrograde amnesia (loss of memories formed prior to the accident) or anterograde amnesia (loss of memories formed after the accident) as outlined above. Medical experts say, however, that anterograde amnesia also known as Post Traumatic Amnesia (PTA) is a more likely occurrence is a more likely occurrence in the event of a concussion. Additionally, it should be noted that the symptoms of amnesia might not become apparent for as long as one (1) week after the accident itself occurs.

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