Concussion

Concussion has been receiving a lot of overdue media coverage due to recent events in professional sports.  But even with the amount attention, this entity continues to be mis-understood.

WebMD defines Concussion as a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull.  Some symptoms of concussion are headaches, forgetfulness, irritability, sleep disturbances or dysfunction, crying spells, dazed look, inability to focus, confusion, and dizziness.  It can become quite frustrating when the individual is unable in performing their usual daily tasks.  Sometimes, it is family members, friends, and co-workers that alert the individual who is “not behaving as themselves” to seek medical care.  It should be important to note that you don’t need to pass out to have a concussion. 

Auto accidents are the single most important agent in both fatal and mild brain injuries, causing from 60% (1) to 67% (2) of the cases.  Most of these auto accident related cases are as a result of blunt head injury (soft head injury, as when the head strikes an object without penetration of the skull.

Parents of a child who is involved in contact sports should understand that it is extremely crucial to know that signs and symptoms of concussion (some of which are noted above) can last days or weeks after initial injury.  If you ever suspect your child has sustained a head injury and is expressing any of the above symptoms, err on the side of caution.  When in doubt, sit them out, and seek professional help immediately.

Yours in Health,

Ashkan Aazami, DC

Total Health Family Clinic (Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, Offices in Landover Hills, MD, District Heights, MD, and Rockville, MD)