Concussion (Head Injury)
Description
An injury to the brain following trauma. Concussion occurs after head trauma and results in headache or other neurologic symptoms without any abnormality on a CT scan. Second impact syndrome occurs when a second concussion takes place before the first resolves and can result in severe persistent symptoms and rarely brain swelling and death.
Symptoms
Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, weakness, double vision, vertigo.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI will be done to rule out traumatic brain injury.
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Treatment includes: prevention of further head trauma, pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or anti-nausea medications. It is very important to prevent a second injury before the symptoms of the first concussion have resolved to avoid the potentially serious consequences of second impact syndrome.
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