Concussion is the mildest form of traumatic brain injury, often accompanied by short-term loss of consciousness. Concussion can be caused by traffic accidents, sports, domestic, industrial and criminal injuries. This type of traumatic brain injury is never accompanied by organic changes in the brain.
Concussion symptoms
With a concussion, the patient is worried about severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.- Confusion of consciousness, lethargy;
- headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears;
- incoherent inhibited speech;
- nausea or vomiting;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- diplopia (double vision);
- inability to concentrate attention;
- fear of light and sound;
- memory loss.
There are several types of concussion:
- 1 degree (lungs) - symptoms persist for no more than 15 minutes, while the victim does not have an episode of loss of consciousness;
- Grade 2 (moderate) - the symptomatology persists for more than 15 minutes, but, as with a mild degree of concussion, there is no episode of loss of consciousness;
- Grade 3 (severe) - the victim had a loss of consciousness (even for a few seconds), regardless of how long the symptoms persist.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of a concussion is usually straightforward for a neurologist. The history and examination data are sufficient to suggest that the patient has this condition. However, in the event of a concussion, it is recommended to undergo an examination to rule out more severe traumatic brain injury.
X-ray of the skull and cervical spine is necessary in order to exclude fractures and fissures of the bones of the skull, as well as displacement and fractures of the cervical vertebrae.
Electroencephalography is a research method that allows you to identify the most insignificant dysfunctions of the cerebral cortex.
In difficult cases, computed tomography may be needed, with the help of which almost any abnormalities in the structure of the brain can be detected.
Treatment
Each victim, regardless of the estimated severity of the disease, should be referred to a hospital to clarify the diagnosis and exclude more serious brain damage.
In the acute period of trauma, patients should receive treatment in the neurosurgical department. Patients are shown strict bed rest for 5 days, which subsequently expands depending on the clinical course of the disease. With the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy and the absence of complications, discharge from the hospital is possible 7-10 days after injury. Further, the patient needs to undergo outpatient treatment for 2 weeks.
Drug therapy for concussion is aimed at normalizing brain functions and relieving symptoms of the disease (headache, dizziness, insomnia). Pain relievers are usually prescribed (Analgin, Baralgin, Pentalgin, etc.), antiemetic drugs (Cerucal), sedatives (motherwort, Corvalol, Phenazepam, etc.)
In addition to symptomatic treatment, therapy is usually prescribed to restore impaired brain functions and prevent complications. The appointment of such therapy is possible no earlier than 5-7 days after injury. Patients are advised to take nootropic (Nootropil, Piracetam) and vasotropic (Cavinton, Theonikol) drugs. They have a beneficial effect on cerebral circulation and improve brain activity. Their use is indicated for several months after discharge from the hospital.
Also, patients are shown vitamin therapy and taking tonic drugs (eleutherococcus extract, ginseng root, lemongrass).
Prevention measures
To reduce the risk of concussion, a safety helmet should be worn when engaging in traumatic sports. It is almost impossible to predict and prevent concussion, but if you follow some guidelines, you can reduce the likelihood of injury.
It should be remembered that engaging in traumatic sports (boxing, hockey, football, etc.) increases the likelihood of head injury.
When rollerblading, skateboarding, horse riding, you must use head protection - a helmet with a special insert. The size and use of the helmet must be correct.
When driving a car, it is necessary for all passengers in the car to wear a seat belt. Children should be transported in special restraints (infant car seat, car seat). After drinking alcohol, taking certain medications that affect the reaction speed and concentration, you should not drive a car.
The number of people seeking medical care as a result of traumatic brain injury increases dramatically in the winter, when there is a high probability of falling on slippery streets. The use of special anti-slip devices for shoes is recommended, and the use of a cane with a sharp tip is recommended for the elderly.
Which doctor to contact
In case of a concussion of the brain, it is necessary to call an ambulance, which will take the patient to the neurosurgical department. Additionally, he will be examined by a neurologist, an ophthalmologist, and, if necessary, a traumatologist.
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