What is a Concussion?
- graceajames1707
- May 14
- 2 min read
This article was beautifully written by our staff member, Ioanna.
Concussions are frequently misunderstood, often minimised as “just a bump to the head.” Yet, they are a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can impact how the brain functions in subtle but meaningful ways. Whether from sports, accidents, or everyday falls, understanding concussions is essential for proper care and long-term health.
Definition & Mechanism
A concussion occurs when a biomechanical force such as a blow to the head or a sudden jolt to the body, causes the brain to shift rapidly within the skull (McCrory et al., 2017). This rapid movement disrupts the brain’s normal function, leading to temporary cognitive, physical, and emotional changes. Although neuroimaging tools like MRIs or CT scans often appear normal, concussions involve chemical and cellular changes that affect how neurons communicate.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Concussion symptoms usually fall into four main categories:
- Physical: Headache, nausea, dizziness, visual sensitivity
- Cognitive: Confusion, memory problems, slowed thinking
- Emotional: Irritability, sadness, anxiety
- Sleep-related: Fatigue, insomnia, sleeping more or less than usual
Diagnosis is made clinically through symptom assessment and tools like the SCAT6 (Sport
Concussion Assessment Tool, 2023), rather than imaging alone.
Why Concussions Matter
Even though concussions are labelled “mild,” they can have serious consequences if not properly treated. Repeat concussions, especially without adequate recovery, may lead to post-concussion syndrome or contribute to long-term neurodegenerative conditions (Giza & Hovda, 2014; Manley et al., 2017).
Evidence-Based Management & Recovery
The key to managing a concussion is early recognition and a structured recovery plan. The latest guidelines recommend:
- 24–48 hours of rest post-injury
- Reducing screen time and cognitive load early on
- Gradual, stepwise return to physical and academic activities under medical supervision
These steps allow the brain to rebalance its metabolism and recover at its own pace (McCrory et al., 2017).
Conclusion
Concussions are functional brain injuries, even if they’re invisible to the eye or scan. Raising
awareness, recognizing early signs, and allowing time to rest and recover are vital for long-term brain health. Education and informed care are the first steps to healing.
References
CDC. “TBI Data.” Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion, 29 Apr. 2024,
Echemendia, Ruben J, et al. “Sport Concussion Assessment ToolTM – 6 (SCAT6).” British
Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 57, no. 11, 1 June 2023, pp. 622–631,
Giza, Christopher C., and David A. Hovda. “The New Neurometabolic Cascade of Concussion.” Neurosurgery, vol. 75, no. 4, Oct. 2014, pp. S24–S33,
Manley, Geoff. “A Systematic Review of Potential Long-Term Effects of Sport-Related
Concussion.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 51, no. 12, 28 Apr. 2017, pp.
969–977, bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/12/969,
McCrory, Paul, et al. “Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport—the 5th International
Conference on Concussion in Sport Held in Berlin, October 2016.” British Journal of
Sports Medicine, vol. 51, no. 11, 26 Apr. 2017, p. bjsports-2017-097699,
bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/838, https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699.
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