According to the American Academy of Neurology, a brain concussion is a trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness. Confusion and amnesia are the hallmarks of concussion. This confusion and/or amnesia may occur immediately after the trauma or may occur several minutes later.

A grading scale to rank concussions according to severity has been established, as follows.

1.

Transient confusion

1.

Transient confusion

1.

Any loss of consciousness.

2.

No loss of consciousness

2.

No loss of consciousness

.

.

3.

Concussion symptoms (see below) or mental status abnormalities which resolve in under 15 minutes.

3.

Concussion symptoms or mental status abnormalities which last more than 15 minutes.

Symptoms of Concussion

Headache

Persistent low-grade headache

Dizziness or vertigo

Light-headedness

Lack of awareness of surroundings

Poor attention and concentration

Nausea or vomiting

Memory problems

Tires easily

Irritable with low frustration tolerance

Intolerance of bright lights or trouble focusing vision

Intolerance of loud noises

Ringing in the ears

Anxiety or depression

.

Sleep disturbances

 

Most concussions clear up within a few hours or days. If symptoms persist, contact your physician for a neurological examination. Other neurological testing may be indicated, such as a CT or MRI of the brain. Consultation with a neuropsychologist may be helpful to clarify the types of problems caused by the concussion, identify ways of helping in recovery, and minimize the disruptive effects of the concussion.