Concussions vs. Traumatic Brain Injury
Every year, according to the National Institute of Health, millions of people in the U.S. suffer brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs from sudden trauma which causes damage to the brain. TBI can happen when the head suddenly and violently hits an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.
A concussion, which is common in physical contact sports, is a form of brain injury. It involves a short loss of normal brain function following a hit to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Although they are typically not life-threatening, concussions can be serious.
Here are symptoms and treatments for concussions and traumatic brain injuries. If someone you know has hit their head, it’s important to have them evaluated by an emergency room doctor or neurologist to determine the best course of action.
Symptoms of a concussion may not start right away. They can occur days or weeks after the initial impact.
Concussion symptoms include:
Symptoms of a TBI can include:
A concussion, which is common in physical contact sports, is a form of brain injury. It involves a short loss of normal brain function following a hit to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Although they are typically not life-threatening, concussions can be serious.
Here are symptoms and treatments for concussions and traumatic brain injuries. If someone you know has hit their head, it’s important to have them evaluated by an emergency room doctor or neurologist to determine the best course of action.
Symptoms of a concussion may not start right away. They can occur days or weeks after the initial impact.
Concussion symptoms include:
- Headache or neck pain
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Feeling dazed or “out of it” and not yourself
- Convulsions or seizures
- Drowsiness or inability to wake up
- A headache that gets worse and doesn’t go away
- Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
Treatment and Diagnosis
Following a physical exam by a doctor, diagnosing a concussion can involve a neurological exam to check vision, balance, coordination and reflexes. They will likely also evaluate the patient’s memory and thinking, and may perform a CT Scan or MRI. This is to help identify signs of bleeding, inflammation or skull fracture. Fortunately, most people recover from a concussion; however, it can take time and rest is very important to allow the brain to heal. Limiting physical activities and activity that requires concentration may also be advised as these can trigger headaches or other concussion symptoms.Symptoms of a TBI can include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness, dizziness
- Blurred vision or tired eyes
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Changes in sleep
- Behavioral or mood changes
- Problems with memory, focus, attention or thinking