Concussions are sometimes called mild traumatic brain injuries, but it’s important to realize that while most concussions aren’t life-threatening, they can be quite serious. In addition to causing the short-term loss of normal brain function, a concussion can lead to post-concussive syndrome, a complex disorder in which various concussion-related symptoms persist long-term.

The experts at East Coast Injury Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida provide comprehensive care for patients and residents in communities throughout the northeastern region of Florida, who have sustained concussions in car accidents and other traumatic events.

Concussion

East Coast Injury Clinic

What causes a concussion?

Many people think of a concussion as an injury that comes from a direct bump, hit, or blow to the head. While it’s true that a knock on your head can easily result in a concussion, anything that causes the rapid back-and-forth movement of your brain inside your skull can give you a concussion.

When your brain shifts, bounces, or even twists inside your skull, it creates chemical changes in the organ that lead to abnormal function. In some cases, a concussion-causing injury may also stretch and damage your brain cells.

Although concussions can be the result of a traumatic fall, physical violence, or forceful shaking, they’re most commonly sustained on the sports field and in car accidents.

What are common concussion symptoms?

You might imagine that within moments of sustaining a concussion you’d lose consciousness momentarily, or experience severe headache pain. Although concussions can cause a temporary loss of consciousness and other brain-related symptoms, many concussions have subtle symptoms or symptoms that emerge slowly. When they do appear, these symptoms may last for days, weeks, or even months. Common concussion symptoms include:

• Headache or neck pain
• General pressure in your head
• Confusion, fatigue, or a dazed feeling
• Dizziness or seeing stars
• Ringing in your ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech or a delayed verbal response

Concussion symptoms that tend to emerge sometime after the traumatic event include:

• Poor concentration or memory problems
• Irritability or depression
• Noticeable personality changes
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
• Increased sensitivity to light and noise

Why is it important to be evaluated following a car accident?

Most car accidents involve the kind of unexpected change of direction and quick deceleration that can cause your head to whip violently on your neck, leading to either a direct blow or the jarring of your brain inside your skull.

It’s important to have a concussion diagnosed as soon as possible because rest — including avoiding strenuous physical activity as well as activities that involve thinking or concentration — is the primary treatment approach for concussive injuries. A concussion can usually be diagnosed with a thorough neurological exam, cognitive testing, brain scans or other imaging tests, and observation.

What are the potential complications of a concussion?

Although most concussions are resolved through rest, some patients continue to experience symptoms for weeks or months following the initial trauma. Some of the most common concussion-related complications are:

Post-concussive syndrome: This complex disorder involves the persistence of various symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or sleep disturbances, for weeks or months.

Post-traumatic headaches: These chronic headaches may affect concussion patients for weeks or months after the initial injury.

Post-traumatic vertigo: Some concussion patients continue to feel dizzy, or experience a spinning sensation for weeks or months following a head trauma.