concussion

Concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury, results from a biomechanical force to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. The injury often disrupts normal brain function temporarily, and may not show a detectable structural abnormality on routine imaging.

Symptoms may appear immediately or after hours and can include confusion, memory loss around the event, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, balance problems, fatigue, as well as cognitive or emotional changes such as slowed thinking, irritability, or sleep disturbance. Loss of consciousness is not required.

Causes include sports injuries, falls, vehicle crashes, and other incidents involving blunt impact or rapid acceleration-deceleration. Concussion results from complex neurochemical and metabolic changes in brain cells and is not always visible on standard CT or MRI scans.

Diagnosis is clinical, based on history and examination. Healthcare providers may use standardized tools to assess symptoms, cognition, and balance. Imaging is typically reserved for signs suggesting a more serious injury or red flags (worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, weakness, seizure) to rule out bleeding.

Management emphasizes rest followed by a gradual return to activity under supervision. A stepwise return-to-play or return-to-learn protocol is commonly recommended, advancing only if symptoms remain absent or minimal. If symptoms worsen, or new red-flag features develop, urgent medical evaluation is advised. Most people recover within days to weeks; some experience lingering symptoms, a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. Repeated concussions carry higher risk of cumulative effects.

Prevention focuses on protective gear, safe play techniques, proper tackling and fall prevention, and rule changes in sports. Children and adolescents may recover differently and require careful monitoring; removing the individual from activity after a suspected concussion is commonly advised until evaluated.