Concussion


How is a concussion treated?
The choice of treatment for concussion must be based on the situation. In the majority of cases, symptomatic treatment combined with corresponding therapies is adopted. However, sometimes complications can occur and treatment depends on the patient's current state. The first step is to ensure adequate sleep; a concussion involves damage to some of the brain's neuronal cells and only with sufficient sleep can the functional recovery of these cells be relatively thorough, otherwise, there could be residual long-term effects. The second measure is to actively improve cerebral circulation and provide neuroprotective treatment. The third step involves providing the respective auxiliary treatments like controlling blood pressure, stabilizing blood sugar, and reducing blood lipids. Fourthly, if complications such as headaches and dizziness occur, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to effectively reduce the likelihood of residual effects, so early treatment is very necessary.


How to deal with a mild concussion?
The treatment mainly includes general management and symptomatic medication. Patients with concussions often experience fear and apprehension. It is beneficial to frequently communicate with patients to maintain a relaxed mood, which aids in recovery from the illness. Early on, it is important to observe changes in the general condition of patients to prevent delayed intracranial hemorrhage. Proper nutrition is also necessary, with a diet that is light and easy to digest. Additionally, patients with mild concussions, who suffer from severe headaches and insomnia, can be treated symptomatically with hypnotic and sedative medications. Oral medications that nourish the nerves can also be administered for treatment.


post-concussion syndrome
For patients with concussions, especially those with mild concussions, they generally do not retain obvious sequelae. Most patients gradually alleviate or even eliminate the original symptoms after resting. However, some patients with more severe concussions still experience repeated headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and other discomfort during the recovery period. At this time, it is appropriate to treat patients by using some brain-enhancing and nerve-nourishing medications. Meanwhile, patients should be encouraged to actively participate in social activities and do some simple physical exercises, which can help stabilize and recover from the condition. Additionally, it is also suggested that concussion patients receive appropriate psychological counseling. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)


Concussions are classified into several types.
Concussion is the mildest form of brain injury, characterized by transient brain dysfunction without visible neuropathological changes, although microscopic examination can reveal disordered neural structures. Generally, there are two types of concussions. The mild form manifests immediately after the injury with transient disturbances in consciousness and mental clarity, often lasting a few seconds to minutes, usually not exceeding half an hour. Upon waking, the individual cannot recall the incident, a condition known as retrograde amnesia. The second type, the severe form, involves more significant disturbances in consciousness that last longer, accompanied by symptoms such as pallor, cool and moist limbs, sweating, decreased blood pressure, slowed heart rate, slowed breathing, and the loss of various physiological reflexes. However, as consciousness is regained, these symptoms gradually normalize, followed by headaches, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. With time and treatment, improvement typically occurs.


Does a concussion cause a fever?
Concussion is a relatively mild form of traumatic brain injury. The main clinical manifestations are disturbances of consciousness, usually including disturbances such as unconsciousness, but typically not exceeding half an hour. There is also recent memory loss, and the inability to recall the incident causing the injury. Some patients may experience dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, tinnitus, or difficulty concentrating and decreased memory. Additionally, a very small number of concussion patients might experience a low-grade fever.


Symptoms of mild concussion
A mild concussion primarily refers to a patient experiencing a brief loss of consciousness, generally lasting a few seconds to several minutes. Another symptom that can occur is retrograde amnesia, where the patient is unable to recall details of the incident that caused the injury. Some patients may also experience a drop in blood pressure and appear pale. Additionally, patients may suffer from headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, tinnitus, decreased memory, and lack of concentration, among other clinical manifestations. Mild concussions typically recover after five to seven days of rest, or symptomatic treatment, with most patients regaining their health.


Symptoms of Concussion
Concussion is generally characterized by a clear history of head trauma, with transient consciousness disorders following the injury, usually lasting less than 30 minutes. It is often seen in falls from heights, car accidents, or injuries caused by accidental hits from others. After regaining consciousness, patients with concussions may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may have difficulty recalling the incident clearly, which is clinically referred to as retrograde amnesia. When these symptoms appear, a concussion is likely, and the patient should be immediately hospitalized for treatment; a head CT or MRI should be performed to help rule out the possibility of other intracranial organic diseases.


Mild concussion symptoms
For patients with mild concussion, they often experience temporary loss of consciousness after suffering from violent blows, car accidents, falls from heights, and other accidental injuries, generally lasting no longer than 30 minutes. When patients regain consciousness, they may feel headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and have difficulty accurately recalling the incident, often referred to as retrograde amnesia. For such patients, cranial CT or MRI scans often show no significant positive signs, and it is suggested that no special treatment is necessary. Instead, patients should focus on rest, avoid overworking and exhaustion, and reduce excessive mental stimulation. The symptoms of most patients will gradually alleviate or even disappear within about two weeks.


How to alleviate vomiting from a concussion
Patients with concussions typically present with transient disturbances in consciousness and recent memory loss following an injury. Some patients may also exhibit a range of clinical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. To alleviate vomiting in concussion patients, it is essential to maintain ample rest and a reasonable diet that is light and easy to digest. Avoid consuming highly stimulating foods and alcohol. Additionally, eat smaller meals more frequently. If vomiting is severe, symptomatic treatment can be administered. Currently, metoclopramide can be used for intramuscular injections as a standard treatment.


Symptoms of concussion
Concussion is the mildest form of traumatic brain injury. The symptoms of concussion primarily include: first, a brief period of clouded consciousness shortly after the injury, typically lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, generally not exceeding half an hour; second, retrograde amnesia, where the patient cannot clearly recall the events during the injury, but memory of events prior to the injury remains clear; third, common symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, poor sleep, and decreased memory; fourth, the patient's cranial examination reveals no significant abnormalities, and lumbar puncture cerebrospinal fluid color and tests are normal.