Concussion  

A concussion is a brain injury caused by forceful head or body impact, yielding physical symptoms and potential neurological disruption. It underscores the link between brain health and emotional well-being, impacting short and long-term mental health.

What Is Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when there is a sudden and forceful impact or blow to the head, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can result in temporary disruption of normal brain function ¹ .

When a concussion occurs, the brain undergoes a rapid acceleration and deceleration within the skull. This movement can stretch and damage brain cells, disrupt neurotransmitter function, and lead to temporary changes in brain activity.

The impact can cause a cascade of chemical changes and inflammation in the brain, affecting the normal functioning of neurons. This, in turn, can severely impact our brain structure and functioning as well as mental health.

Symptoms Of Concussion

Research ² attributes the common symptoms of concussion to:

1. Headache or pressure in the head
2. Confusion, feeling dazed, or trouble concentrating
3. Dizziness and problems with balance
4. Nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and noise
5. Fatigue, drowsiness, or difficulty sleeping
6. Irritability, mood changes, or increased fussiness
7. Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or slurred speech
8. Changes in coordination, unsteady walking, or clumsiness
9. Forgetfulness, memory problems, or changes in attention span
10. Altered eating habits 
11. Mood swings, irritability, or lack of interest in activities

Causes Of Concussion

The common ³ causes of concussion include:

• Sports: Contact sports like football, soccer, hockey, and boxing raise concussion risk through collisions, tackles, and falls.
• Falls: Trips, slips, and falls, especially from heights, can lead to head impacts and potential concussions.
• Vehicles: Car accidents, causing abrupt stops or jolts, can forcefully move the brain within the skull, resulting in a concussion.
• Altercations: Head-targeted violence like punches and kicks can lead to concussions.
• Bicycles and Motorcycles: Collisions, particularly without proper gear, can cause head impacts and potential concussions.
• Recreational Activities: Activities like skiing, skateboarding, and rollerblading come with fall and collision risks that may lead to concussions.
• Workplace: Industries such as construction can increase head injury risk due to falls, falling objects, or machinery accidents.

Concussion And Mental Health

The effects of concussions on mental health can be severe, due to the disruption they cause in normal brain activity. Following a concussion, individuals often experience a range of cognitive and emotional changes ⁴ that can affect their overall mental well-being.

Cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, attention, and decision-making can be impaired, leading to difficulties in managing daily tasks and responsibilities. This cognitive “fogginess” or “brain fog” can contribute to frustration, decreased self-esteem, and increased stress as individuals struggle to perform as they did prior to the injury.

Concussion and mental health are related as, emotionally, concussions can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. These emotional changes can stem from the physiological effects of the injury, as well as the challenges individuals face in adapting to the limitations imposed by their symptoms.

Read More About Anxiety Here

The frustration of not being able to perform at one’s usual level, coupled with the uncertainty of when symptoms will resolve, can contribute to heightened emotional distress. Additionally, disruptions in sleep patterns that often accompany concussions can further exacerbate emotional instability and hinder the brain’s healing process.

How Concussions Cause Mental Illness In Children

Concussion and mental health in children are related due to the vulnerability of their developing brains. Disruption of neural connections during a concussion can lead to cognitive and emotional changes ⁵ , potentially contributing to mental health issues.

Symptoms like mood swings, concentration difficulties, and irritability, often associated with certain mental health disorders, might appear in children after concussions.

Prolonged and untreated concussions cause mental illness symptoms like anxiety or depression. Coping with school, social life, and recovery stress could further strain a child’s mental well-being, underscoring the need for attentive care and support.

Read More About Depression Here

Diagnosis Of Concussion

The diagnosis of a concussion involves a multifaceted process ⁶ that encompasses medical history review, physical examination, cognitive and balance assessments, symptom checklists, and, when necessary, neuro-imaging. Clinicians gather information about the injury, symptoms, and medical background to diagnose concussions accurately.

Neuro-cognitive tests ⁷ like ImPACT and balance evaluations like BESS gauge cognitive and coordination functions. A symptom checklist aids in assessing common concussion-related issues. Imaging might be employed to exclude severe head injuries.

Neuro-psychological testing and baseline assessments for those at risk further enhance diagnostic accuracy, ensuring proper care and management for concussion recovery.

Treatment For Concussion

The treatment for concussions involves a variety of therapies ⁸ , assisted by pharmacotherapy:

• Pain Management: Leverage over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen, to alleviate headaches. Initiate caution with NSAIDs like ibuprofen due to potential bleeding risk.
• Physical Therapy: Explore tailored exercises recommended by professionals to address balance and coordination difficulties.
• Vision And Vestibular Therapy: Employ specialized techniques to tackle visual and balance issues associated with the concussion.
• Medication: In certain cases, targeted medication might be prescribed to manage severe headaches or sleep disruptions.
• Concussion Supportive Therapy: Utilize therapies (like concussion supportive therapy) designed to provide comprehensive support during the recovery process.

Read More About Therapy Here

Self-help Strategies For Coping With Concussion

Consider the following  self-help strategies ⁹ to cope in concussion recovery:

• Rest: Allow the brain to heal; prioritize sleep.
• Hydration: Drink water to support brain function.
• Nutrient-rich Diet: Eat antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamins.
• Limit Screens: Reduce cognitive strain from screens.
• Manage Environment: Control light and noise sensitivity.
• Gradual Activity: Slowly reintroduce physical and mental tasks.
• Relaxation: Practice meditation, yoga, deep breathing.
• Herbal Supplements: Try ginkgo biloba, turmeric for inflammation.
• Acupuncture: Explore for potential symptom relief.

Read More About Meditation Here

Takeaway

The symptoms of concussions remain a critical area of concern in the realm of sports, healthcare, and overall well-being. The intricate interplay between the brain’s delicate structure and the potential for long-lasting cognitive and neurological effects underscores the importance of continued research, proper diagnosis, and effective management strategies.

As awareness grows, it is imperative that stakeholders across sports, medicine, and society collaborate to implement stringent protocols that prioritize player safety, ensuring that the impact of concussions is minimized and that individuals at all levels can engage in physical activities with reduced risk to their neurological health.

At A Glance

1. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury resulting from a forceful head impact that temporarily disrupts brain function.
2. Rapid brain movement within the skull during a concussion can damage cells, disrupt neurotransmitters, and alter brain activity.
3. Symptoms of concussion include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and mood changes.
4. Common causes of concussion are sports, falls, accidents, altercations, and recreational activities.
5. Concussions cause mental illness like depression, anxiety, etc.
6. The effects of concussions on mental health are particularly severe in children.
7. Treatment for concussion includes concussion supportive therapy, medication, and supportive care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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9.  Heslot, C., Azouvi, P., Perdrieau, V., Granger, A., Lefèvre-Dognin, C., & Cogné, M. (2022). A Systematic Review of Treatments of Post-Concussion Symptoms. Journal of clinical medicine, 11(20), 6224. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11206224 [↩]