Mild concussion sequelae

Written by Jiang Fang Shuai
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Mild concussions generally do not have any lasting effects. After a mild concussion, as long as one rests well, maintains a good mindset, and uses medication when necessary, along with symptomatic supportive treatment, the vast majority of people can fully recover within one to two weeks without any lasting effects. Only a few people, due to psychological and mental factors, may continue to experience symptoms that are difficult to improve for more than three months. In these cases, we consider these to be the after-effects of mild concussion, which mainly manifest as headaches, dizziness, dry heaving, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, lack of concentration, memory decline, slow reactions, irritability, and a bad temper, among others.

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Written by Li Pei
Neurosurgery
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Is a concussion serious?

Concussion is the mildest form of traumatic brain injury. It occurs as a transient inhibition of brain function following head trauma, characterized by a brief period of confusion post-injury, usually not exceeding half an hour. Patients may also experience retrograde amnesia, unable to recall the incident of injury. Neurological examinations and head CT scans typically show no significant abnormalities, and results from lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid tests are normal. Most patients generally recover slowly after resting in bed for 1-2 weeks post-injury, without the need for special treatment. If symptoms such as headache or dizziness are prominent, some analgesics and sedatives or neurotrophic medications can be used for treatment, leading to gradual recovery. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Is a concussion considered a minor injury?

Patients with concussion exhibit a brief disturbance in consciousness due to injury, which does not last more than half an hour. They also experience recent memory loss, meaning patients cannot recall the circumstances of the injury. Additionally, some patients may experience a range of clinical symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, and decreased memory. The vast majority of concussion patients can recover with one to two weeks of rest. Furthermore, head CT scans of concussion patients do not show any organic changes. Therefore, concussions are generally not considered minor injuries.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How to diagnose a concussion?

Concussion typically involves functional impairment of brain activities. His head CT showed no organic damage. The main clinical symptoms include transient consciousness disturbances and recent memory loss after the injury. Some patients may experience significant symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia, among other clinical symptoms. For concussion patients, the first step is to conduct a head CT to rule out intracranial organic injuries, followed by cerebrospinal fluid examination, and then an electroencephalogram test.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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What should be done for a concussion?

Patients with concussion generally experience fear and anxiety, so it is important to keep them calm and avoid disturbing them as much as possible. Some psychological communication with the patient can help maintain a calm state of mind. Secondly, closely observe the patient's general condition and changes in consciousness to prevent delayed intracranial hemorrhage. Thirdly, administer symptomatic medication as needed, such as pain relievers and sleep aids for symptoms like headache and insomnia. Fourthly, use medications that promote the recovery of nerve cells for treatment.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can you drink alcohol with a concussion?

Patients with concussions typically experience transient disturbances of consciousness after injury, such as coma, along with recent memory loss. Some also suffer from various degrees of headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, insomnia, and other clinical symptoms. The diet for concussion patients should be light and easy to digest, avoiding spicy foods and other strong irritants, as well as avoiding alcohol, since alcohol can aggravate symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. Therefore, patients with concussions should not drink alcohol.