Concussion

Concussion occurs after a fall or an impact to the head.

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

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

Exclusion of liability

CSS offers no guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information. The information published is no substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist.