Concussion

Overview

Concussion occurs after a fall or an impact to the head. Headaches occur, possibly accompanied by loss of consciousness, gaps in memory and nausea. The symptoms can linger for a few days, during which it is important to rest the body.

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Gaps in memory
• Disturbance of balance
• Nausea, vomiting
• Short period of unconsciousness

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Severe impact to the head (e.g. owing to an accident, a fall, while doing sport, etc.)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Detailed exam and cognitive tests (e.g. finger-counting and other special tests)
• CT scan (computed tomography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Possible therapies

As a rule, concussion clears up by itself without the need for any special treatment. Extra care is required, however, if there are other, more dangerous symptoms (see When to see a doctor).

• 24-hour observation in hospital
• Painkillers

What can I do myself?

• Immediately stop all activity (e.g. sport)
• Treat wounds, if any
• Get plenty of rest during the healing phase
• Only take up sport again when all the symptoms have gone
• Protect the head (e.g. by wearing a helmet)

When to see a doctor?

• Very severe headaches, which don't go away and may even become worse
• If consciousness is affected (e.g. the injured person no longer knows where they are or speaks incoherently)
• If the injured person suddenly becomes listless or loses consciousness (even if they wake up again)
• Vomiting
• Double vision
• Persons who take blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants)
• Other serious injuries
• If symptoms don't improve after a few days

Synonyms

concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, craniocerebral trauma, Wounds