A concussion is a type of head injury which causes mild temporary injury to the brain, the vital organ that controls virtually everything we care about. Yet, we often treat concussions with less attention then a scraped knee.

What causes a concussion

Fall – whether its slipping on a wet surface, fall from height or tumbling down the stairs, falls are the number one cause of concussions.

Impact – from around the house, in the workplace, on the sports field, falling objects or a physical assault or a sudden strike to the head.

Jolt – Car accidents, workplace injuries, sudden brain movement can cause neuron damage.

Sudden impact from a fall, bump, hit or jolt causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and froth and the brain to bounce around or twist in side the skull.  The brain strikes the inner skull, the head decelerates and stops its motion, causing the brain to hit the opposite side of the skull.  As a result, neurons are damages and the brain may brise at the site impact.

Know the symptoms

Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or develop hours or even days after the injury. Common signs include:

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Headaches
• Changes in taste and smell
• Nausea or vomiting
• Vison issues
• Sensitivity to noise or light
• Dizziness or feeling off balance
• Mental fog or concentration problems
• Fatigue
• Personality changes or irritability
• Feeling emotional or depressed
• Confusion or forgetfulness

For some people, symptoms may develop immediately. For others, hours or even days may pass before warning signs show up. While for most people, concussion symptoms will resolve themselves in a few days or weeks, some people may require emergency treatment and may lead to longer-lasting issues. Post-Concussion Syndrome is the name given to a range of symptoms that continue to occur following a concussion. These symptoms often happen even when there is no damage to the brain. 

Prevention

You can’t always prevent accidents, but you can reduce your risk of a concussion by taking a few simple precautions:

• Fasten seat belts - Always wear a seat belt when travelling in a car. This may prevent serious injury, including head injury during a road traffic accident.
• Wear protective gear - Use properly fitted helmets during sports or recreational activities that involve contact or risk of falls. Check regularly that equipment is in good condition and worn correctly.
• Make your home safe - Keep your home well lit and try to keep floors or stairs free of anything that might cause you to trip and fall.
• Be careful if working from height - For example, if using ladders ensuring that the ladder is correctly lashed or footed and you are working safely.

Treatment and Recovery

Recovery from a concussion requires patience and care. The best approach involves an initial period of rest, followed by a gradual return to normal activities as symptoms improve.

• Rest first: Avoid strenuous physical or mental activity for the first few days.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: These can interfere with brain recovery.
• Stay connected: Seek support from family and friends to help maintain emotional well-being.
• Seek medical advice: If symptoms persist, worsen, or new symptoms develop, contact your GP or a qualified healthcare professional. They may recommend specific therapies, rehabilitation exercises, or medications to manage symptoms. 

When to seek help

If you believe you have sustained a concussion and symptoms persist or get worse it’s important to seek medical advice. Your brain is the centre of everything you do. You won’t know whether its just a surface head injury or something more serious on the inside until you see a healthcare professional.