Introduction
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. While concussions are often considered "mild" because they are rarely life-threatening, their effects on cognitive function, mood, and behavior can be significant and long-lasting, particularly when multiple concussions occur over time.
Causes
Concussions are commonly caused by falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, physical assaults, or any impact that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Athletes in contact sports are at particularly high risk. Risk factors for more severe outcomes include a history of prior concussions, young age, and not allowing sufficient time for recovery before returning to activity.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, cognitive difficulties such as feeling foggy or having trouble concentrating, memory problems, slowed reaction time, sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours to days following the injury and can persist for weeks or months in some individuals (post-concussion syndrome).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the mechanism of injury and symptom presentation. A thorough neurological exam, cognitive assessment, and detailed history are essential. Neuroimaging such as CT or MRI is typically normal in mild TBI but may be ordered to rule out more serious injuries. Standardized concussion assessment tools (e.g., SCAT5) are commonly used in sports settings to support diagnosis and monitor recovery.
Treatment
Initial treatment focuses on physical and cognitive rest, followed by gradual return to activity using a structured, stepwise protocol. Mental health support is important when psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress emerge. Sleep hygiene, vestibular rehabilitation, and headache management may be incorporated into care. Persistent symptoms benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving neurology, neuropsychology, and mental health services.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.