Do you know what is cerebral concussion?

A cerebral concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from a blow, bump, or jolt to the head, or a forceful impact to the body causing the brain to undergo rapid movement within the skull.
This swift motion can lead to the brain bouncing or twisting, causing damage to brain cells and triggering chemical alterations.
Although often termed “mild” TBIs, concussions can have significant effects, albeit typically not life-threatening.

[Image: Brain depicting a concussion]

Common Causes of Concussions

Falls: Predominantly observed in young children and older adults.
Sports Injuries: Contact sports such as football, hockey, boxing, soccer, and rugby frequently lead to concussions.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles are notable contributors.
Assaults: Violently shaking an infant can result in severe concussions, as seen in Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Symptoms of Concussions

Symptoms can vary in onset time and severity:

Physical Symptoms

Headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or balance issues
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Ringing in the ears
Fatigue or lethargy

Cognitive Symptoms

Confusion or feeling disoriented
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Mental sluggishness
Slurred speech

Emotional Symptoms

Irritability
Sadness or mood fluctuations
Anxiety or nervousness

Sleep-Related Symptoms

Changes in sleep patterns, such as increased or decreased sleep duration
Difficulty initiating sleep

Note: Signs of severe concussions necessitating immediate medical attention include loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, worsening headaches, seizures, unequal pupil sizes, slurred speech, weakness, or numbness.

Treatment and Recovery

Rest is Paramount: Both physical and mental rest play pivotal roles in concussion recovery. Activities requiring focus or exertion should be limited.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be suggested by a healthcare provider.
Gradual Rehabilitation: Following symptom alleviation, supervised gradual reintroduction to regular routines, sports, and activities is advised.

While most concussions resolve within a few weeks, some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms.

Important: Suspected cases of concussions warrant medical evaluation and guidance for appropriate management of recovery.

CM Mamata Banerjee suffers injuries at home, admitted to hospital with cerebral concussion.