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What is a concussion?Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. This occurs when impulsive forces are transmitted to the head by direct or indirect impact to the head. This is an evolving injury and symptoms can be delayed in onset.
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What are the Symptoms associated with Concussion?The Symptoms related with Concussion are non-specific. The common symptoms include:
Headache
Fogginess
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light and/or sound
Irritability
Loss of memory
Imbalance and/or In-coordination -
Can the player go back to play on the same day, if after a period of rest the symptoms settle during the game?No, if a player is diagnosed with Concussion, he/she shouldn’t go back to play on the same day, even if the symptoms settle completely.
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What are the warning signs for a serious brain injury?The following symptoms suggest severe or high risk brain injury.
● Worsening level of Consciousness
● Skull fracture
● Seizures or convulsions
● Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation
● Neurological deficit, speech disturbance
● Fluid or bleeding from the ear or nose associated with concussion -
What Precautions should be taken in the initial 24-48 hrs after the concussion?● There is no need for the athlete to be put in a dark room
● Avoid loud sounds or music
● Avoid Electronics and flashing lights
● Avoid return to sports
● Don’t drive or use machinery till cleared to do so by the medical practitioner
● Arrange a follow up with the medical practitioner
● In children and adolescents, returning to school should take precedence over returning to sports -
What will happen in the Concussion Clinic?For initial assessment in the concussion clinic, Dr Khullar will assess:
a) Clinical progress
● Injury pattern and severity
● Timing of the injury
● Initial symptoms
● Risk factors for prolonged symptoms
● Previous concussions and confounding factors
b) Symptom checklist which would have been given to you in the Emergency department will be checked.
c) Thorough examination for cervical spine and Neurological examination will be performed.
d) Sports Concussion Assessment tool-5 assessment
e) Vestibulo-oculomotor testing
f) Planning for return to school, return to work or return to sports will be discussed as required.
g) Follow up appointments will be organised. -
How long does it take for patients to recover from Concussion?Adult patients generally recover in 1 to 2 weeks time. Children, however, can take between 2-4 weeks for recovery. A small percentage of patients can have persistent symptoms and delayed recovery.