A concussion is the mildest type of brain injury. However, this condition should not be underestimated, because the symptoms of a concussion can sometimes resemble those of a severe head injury. Concussions can also generally be more dangerous if they occur in children.
A concussion can occur due to a hard impact on the head, for example due to a blow or a blunt object, falling from a high place, traffic accidents, or injuries during sports.
A concussion can be mild, but it can also be quite severe and require immediate medical attention, especially if it has caused loss of consciousness, fainting, or other disturbances of brain function, such as difficulty speaking, difficulty remembering, or severe headaches.
Types of Concussion
Based on the severity, concussion can be categorized into 3 types, namely:
Mild concussion
A person is said to experience a mild concussion, the symptoms are only a mild headache, a lump on the head, or dizziness only for a short time or not more than 15 minutes. People who have mild concussions also generally do not experience symptoms of fainting or loss of consciousness.
Moderate concussion
Symptoms of a moderate concussion are generally similar to those of a mild concussion, but can last longer than 15 minutes. Patients with moderate concussion also generally do not experience loss of consciousness and they can return to their activities after the symptoms of concussion have disappeared.
Severe concussion
Characterized by loss of consciousness, even just for a few seconds. In addition, people who have had a severe concussion may also experience other symptoms, such as headaches that persist or get worse, difficulty maintaining balance, and memory loss (amnesia).
Symptoms of Concussion
One of the typical signs that need to be suspected of a concussion is the appearance of bruising or injuries to the head. In addition, symptoms of concussion can also appear within a few minutes to a few days after the impact on the head.
Here are some of the most common concussion symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling confused
- Blurred vision
- Sensitive to light or sound
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Insomnia
- Ears ringing
- Changes in behavior, such as being easily cheap or difficult to regulate emotions
In cases of mild to moderate concussion, symptoms will improve within a few days or weeks. However, in cases of severe concussion, the symptoms that appear usually do not improve or can actually get worse, requiring immediate medical attention.
You need to be aware of a severe concussion and immediately consult a doctor, if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe headache that doesn't go away or doesn't get better with painkillers
- Throws up
- Loss of consciousness
- Bleeding from the nose or ears
- Seizures
- Difficulty or unable to speak
- Severe back pain or stiffness in the neck, head, or back
- Weakness or paralysis of the limbs,
- Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or fingers and toes
- Difficulty maintaining balance and walking
- Memory loss or amnesia
- Respiratory disorders
First Aid for Concussion
When you experience or see that someone has had a concussion or has a head injury, try the following first aid steps:
1. Stop activity
If you hit your head hard, stop the activity immediately, rest, and calm down. This is important to do because the brain needs time to recover.
Conversely, if you continue to carry out activities as usual or even strenuous activities, this can risk making the concussion worse.
2. Restrict head and neck movement
Try to limit activities that make your head and neck jerk or push for a few weeks. This is important to note so that the concussion you suffer can recover quickly.
In addition, an important thing that you must pay attention to when you have a concussion or head injury is the risk of injury to the neck nerve. Therefore, when helping someone who has a head injury, keep the head and neck in a stable position and not bend.
This is important to note because injuries to the cervical and spinal nerves can result in paralysis. To minimize this, and if possible, you can give the sufferer a concussion cervical or neck collar as a support tool, so that the position of the head and neck remains stable.
3. Pay attention to changes in behavior
Observe for changes in behavior, especially if a concussion occurs in children. This is important to note because young children may find it difficult to express what they are feeling. Monitor for at least 24 hours after the head injury occurs.
4. Check in the hospital
To treat headaches due to concussion, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol. Avoid taking aspirin painkillers because of the risk of triggering bleeding in the brain.
If the concussion symptoms that appear do not improve or get worse, immediately consult a doctor at the nearest clinic or hospital, so that the doctor can confirm your condition.
To evaluate the condition of your brain injury, your doctor will perform a physical and supporting examination, such as a CT scan or MRI of the head.
To prevent a head injury or concussion, you should always use personal protective equipment, such as a helmet, when on a construction project site, or when riding in certain vehicles, such as a motorcycle or bicycle.
You also need to always wear a seat belt when driving in a car to prevent neck injuries and concussions.
Minor concussions that heal on their own are generally harmless and do not cause permanent brain damage. However, you need to be vigilant if you experience symptoms of a concussion that don't go away or get worse.
If this happens, immediately go to the doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room to get the right examination and treatment for a concussion.