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Concussion in Adults
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.
What is it? A concussion (kun-kush-un) is an injury to the brain. A concussion happens when the brain is shaken against the skull after a blow to the head. After the injury, you may be unconscious ("knocked out") for a few seconds. A mild concussion is usually not a serious problem. But you will need to be carefully watched for problems.
Causes: A concussion may happen because of a fall, car accident, sports injury, or a blow to the head.
Signs and Symptoms: You may have headache, dizziness, or have a lump, cut, bruise, or swelling on the head. Other signs are numbness, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, or memory problems. You may feel tired or not see clearly. Or you may not be fully awake.
Care: A CT scan may be taken of your head and brain. You may need to rest for a few days. Take only medicine that your caregiver has said is OK. You may be put in the hospital for tests and treatment.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about a concussion and how it can be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
