Head Injuries- Concussion

Concussion

Concussion is caused when the casualty’s brain is shaken within the skull by a blow to the head

How do you recognise someone with concussion?

Sometimes brief loss of consciousness

Nausea
Mild headache
Dizziness
Loss of memory

What causes concussion in sport

A concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiological process that affects the brain, typically induced by trauma to the brain. It can be caused either by a direct blow to the head, or an indirect blow to the body, causing neurological impairments that may resolve spontaneously.

Concussion Facts

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. A concussion can also be caused by violent movement or jarring of the head or neck.
People who suffer from concussions generally fully recover quickly. However, in some cases, symptoms can last for days or weeks.
Those who have already had one concussion seem more susceptible to having another.
The most common causes of concussions are sports injuries (football, hockey, rugby, basketball, etc.), bicycle accidents, car accidents, and falls.
For about 9 in 10 people with concussions, symptoms disappear within 7 to 10 days.

Common causes include:

Physical sports such as Rugby and Football

A blow to the head

A fall to the floor

Falling objects landing on the head

Recognition

Brief loss of consciousness
Nausea
Mild headache
Dizziness
Loss of memory

Treatment:

Call 999 / 112 for an ambulance
Stop any sporting activity!
If unconscious, place in the recovery position.
Monitor the airway, breathing and level of response.
If the casualty remains conscious, monitor levels of response, if they begin to deteriorate after an initial recovery, call 999 / 112 and ask for an ambulance