Bandages or Dressings

First Aid For Treating A Concussion

Fact Checked

Overview

Generally defined, a concussion is a more short-term disturbance that is created in the brain whenever someone suffers a head injury. Concussions can generally cause the following issues:

  • Headaches, dizziness, and/or confusion
  • Losing consciousness for no more than half an hour or even no loss of consciousness
  • Amnesia, or loss of memory, that lasts for no more than 24 hours
Generally defined, a concussion is a more short-term disturbance that is created in the brain whenever someone suffers a head injury.
Generally defined, a concussion is a more short-term disturbance that is created in the brain whenever someone suffers a head injury.

A vast majority of head injuries tend to occur during incidents such as auto accidents, assaults, falls, and sports. Furthermore, other contributing factors can include usage of both alcohol and drugs.

With concussions, there is typically direct trauma to the head. When it comes to elderly individuals, serious head injuries can occur even with minor falls. Additionally, those who injure their heads can also injure their necks as well.

Whenever someone who has suffered a concussion is put through head imaging with either MRI or CT scan imaging, both of these tests will rarely show any obvious signs of brain injuries.

Quick Tip

The information posted on this page on head, neck and spinal injuries is for learning purposes only. The best way to learn how to recognize, manage and help individuals with head, neck and spinal injuries is to sign up for a first aid and CPR course.

Symptoms

Concussions will generally show the following symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Vomiting/nausea
  • Vertigo/dizziness
  • Loss of hearing
  • Blurry/double-vision
  • Changes in smelling/tasting things
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety/irritability/change in personality
  • Amnesia
  • Concentration difficulty/confusion/slow reaction time
  • Brief loss of consciousness

Most often, these symptoms will appear after the injury has already taken place; however, the affected person may feel fine at first and the symptoms may not present themselves until minutes or hours later.

Diagnosis

Anyone who has suffered a head injury should have a doctor check them out right away, especially if the injury has resulted in either loss of consciousness or a change in their normal behaviors. Generally, a doctor will want to know the following:

  • How the injury happened
  • The symptoms that developed as a result
  • If the victim had any head injuries in the past
  • If there are other current medical issues
  • What medications are currently being taken
  • If any alcohol or drugs are currently being consumed
  • If there are currently any symptoms of any other injuries

Prevention

The leading cause of death in younger people are accidents, including head injuries. A vast majority of these accidents are related to the usage of drugs and alcohol, and many of these accidents can be prevented simply by wearing protective gear and avoiding dangerous situations altogether.

Here are some useful tips to make note of that will help you prevent head injuries:

  • If you are someone who drinks alcohol, do so in moderation. Furthermore, never drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs.
  • Wear all of the right protective headgear if you play sports. If, at any time, you suffer a blow to the head, leave the game immediately and seek medical attention.
  • Ensure that you are wearing all of the necessary protective safety gear to avoid falls if you work at a job that requires you to be above the ground. Furthermore, never work in a high area if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, unsteady, have been drinking, etc.

Related Video On A Concussion 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • All cprhcp.ca content is reviewed by a medical professional and / sourced to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

  • We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable websites, academic research institutions and medical articles.

  • If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through our contact us page.

The information posted on this page is for educational purposes only.
If you need medical advice or help with a diagnosis contact a medical professional