Concussion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A concussion (kun-KUSH-un) is an injury to the tissues or blood vessels of the brain. It is also called a "closed head injury" or "mild traumatic brain injury" (MTBI). Concussions happen when the soft tissues of the brain are forced against the bone of the skull. The injury can cause the brain to have trouble working normally for a short time. A concussion may happen because of a fall, motor vehicle accident, sports injury, or a blow to the head. You may be unconscious ("knocked out") for a short time. A mild concussion is usually not a serious problem. You need to be carefully watched after a concussion for more serious symptoms.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of what medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why they are taken. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you visit your caregiver. Ask your caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not take any other medicines without first asking your caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think the medicines are not helping. Call if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking the medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Take acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen) or ibuprofen (i-bu-PRO-fen) for headache or neck pain if your caregiver says it is OK.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Care:

• Waking: You will need to have someone wake you at different times during the night. Ask your caregiver how often you need to be woken up and for how long. Also, have them ask you a few questions to see if you are thinking clearly. An example would be to ask your name or your address.
  
  
• Ice: Sometimes a blow to the head may cause bruising, swelling, or a cut on your skin. A caregiver may suggest that you use ice to decrease your pain or swelling. It is best to start using ice right after an injury and up to 24 to 48 hours afterwards. Do not use ice directly on the skin, or for longer than 20 minutes at a time. If ice is not covered or is put on one area of your body for too long, it may cause frostbite.
  
  
• Rest: Rest in bed or do quiet activities for the first 24 hours. You may begin normal activities again after you feel better.
  
  
• Activities: Ask your caregiver when you can return to your normal activities such as work or sports.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are vomiting.
  
  
• You feel more sleepy or are harder to wake up than usual.
  
  
• Your symptoms get worse during the first several days after the injury.
  
  
• You have new headaches that are very bad, or that get worse in the days after the injury.
  
  
• Your concussion symptoms last longer than six weeks after the injury.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You should be seen in an emergency room, doctor's office, or clinic immediately if:
  
  
  • You have non-stop vomiting with an increasing headache.
    
    
  • You have increasing confusion or a change in personality.
    
    
  • You have blood or clear fluid coming out of the ears or nose.
    
    
  • You do not know where you are, or you do not recognize people that are familiar.
    
    
  • You have new problems with vision (blurry or double vision).
    
    
  • Your speech becomes slurred or confused.
    
    
  • You have arm or leg weakness, loss of feeling, or new problems with coordination (balance and movement).
  
  
• You or someone with you should dial 9-1-1 or 0 (Operator) for an ambulance if :
  
  
  • Your pupils (black part in the center of the eye) are unequal in size, and this is new for you.
    
    
  • You have a seizure (convulsion).
    
    
  • Someone tries to wake you and cannot do so.
    
    
  • You stop responding to others or you pass out (faint).

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Concussion (Discharge Care)