Concussions

FACPR Topic Paper

Concussions

A concussion is a TBI (traumatic brain injury.) it usually causes a temporary loss of brain

function resulting from a blow to the head. It is the most common sports injury and is usually

easily self-diagnosed. It is caused by other things as well, anything that causes a blow to the

head such as, falling down which is common for the elderly, being in a car crash, or in extreme

cases a nearby explosion. Most people recover fully from a concussion but a concussion can

have chronic effects on thinking, learning and memory loss. After having one concussion it

increases the chances of getting another one. And the second is often worse. So it’s important

to rehabilitate from the first encounter and avoid attaining another.

The skull is designed to protect the brain but doesn’t hold it in place. The cause of the

concussion is where the head is moved very quickly and the brain is shaken violently back and

forth or moves around enough to smack the inside of the skull. This causes the brain tissue to

stretch or tare, which can damage the brain and cause its function to alter, and of course

messes with the whole body’s homeostasis. Some concussion can cause the brain to bleed or

cause it to swell.

People who get concussions often express feelings of physical, mental, and behavioral

changes. This is known as PCS (Post Traumatic Syndrome.) these symptoms often ware off in a

month or less. But sometimes last months or even years causing disability.

Children are the most at risk to concussions because their head is disproportionate to their

body. According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, 1 million

children each year suffer concussions. More than 30,000 incur long-term disabilities as a result

of the traumatic brain injury. Children are clumsy so most happen either by falling down, or

another common reason is abuse...