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Concussion Management

A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI), is a brain injury that occurs when force is transmitted to the brain causing it to move quickly within the skull. This sudden movement causes a disruption in how parts of the brain communicate and results in a variety of symptoms. Concussions usually occur from a direct blow to the head, but can also occur when a hit or blow to the body transmits a force to the head causing the brain to violently move back and forth inside the skull. Although a concussion by itself is not life threatening, it is a serious injury that should be treated by experts in concussion care.

Symptoms you may feel:

Physical

· Headache

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Balance problems

· Dizziness

· Visual problems

· Fatigue

· Sensitivity to light

· Sensitivity to noise

· Numbness/tingling

Cognitive (Mental)

· Feeling mentally foggy

· Feeling slowed down

· Difficulty concentrating

· Difficulty remembering

Emotional

· Irritability or moodiness

· Sadness

· Decreased interest in hobbies

· Nervousness

Sleep

· Drowsiness

· Sleeping less than usual

· Sleeping more than usual

· Trouble falling asleep

Diagnosing a Concussion

A physical exam and careful history are the best ways to diagnose a concussion. 

Treatment and Recovery

Recovery from concussion isa complex and dynamic process. During recovery it is critical to identify the factors responsible for symptoms and to develop a treatment plan targeting them. If recovery is not properly managed it can lead to unnecessarily prolonged recovery. Management of recovery should be individualized and directed by a healthcare provider with expertise in concussion care who has ready access to treatment resources.

There are three phases of concussion recovery:

1.    Acute Symptomatic

2.    Recovery

3.    Recovered

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