Description
An injury to the brain following trauma. Concussion occurs after head trauma and results in headache, confusion, loss of consciousness or other neurologic symptoms without any abnormality on a CT scan. Second impact syndrome occurs when a second concussion takes place before the first resolves and can result in severe or persistent symptoms and rarely brain swelling and death.
Symptoms
Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, weakness, double vision, vertigo.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI may be performed to rule out other brain injury.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI may be performed to rule out other brain injury.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
Treatment includes: prevention of further head trauma, pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or anti-nausea medications. It is very important to prevent a second injury before the symptoms of the first concussion have resolved to avoid the potentially serious consequences of second impact syndrome.