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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• You may also have had other injuries at the same time as the concussion, like a neck or face injury. The longer you were unconscious the more serious the concussion may be. The risk of serious problems are decreased if you carefully follow your caregiver's advice.
  
  
• Each additional concussion you have may increase your risk of having long-lasting problems. These problems may include poor coordination, or trouble thinking or concentrating. Having repeated concussions can be life threatening.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

• Activity: You may need to rest in bed after a concussion. Your caregiver will tell you when you can return to regular activities. Talk to your caregiver if you have any questions.
  
  
• Call button: You may use the call button when you need your caregiver. Pain, trouble breathing, or wanting to get out of bed are good reasons to call. The call button should always be close enough for you to reach it.
  
  
• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Tests and monitoring:

You may need one or more of the following tests. The results of these tests help caregivers plan the best way to treat you.

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.
  
  
• Neurologic exam: This is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show caregivers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. Caregivers will check how your pupils (black dots in the center of each eye) react to light. They may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.
  
  
• Pulse oximeter: A pulse oximeter is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your finger, ear, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine. Never turn the pulse oximeter or alarm off. An alarm will sound if your oxygen level is low or cannot be read.
  
  
• Heart monitor: This is also called an ECG or EKG. Sticky pads placed on your skin record your heart's electrical activity.
  
  
• CT scan:
  
  
  • This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your brain. It may be used to look at bones, muscles, brain tissue, and blood vessels.
    
    
  • You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• MRI: This test is called magnetic resonance (REZ-o-nans) imaging. During the MRI, pictures are taken of your head. An MRI may be used to look at the brain, muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. You will need to lay still during a MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. This can cause serious injury.
  
  
• C-spine x-rays: You may need cervical spine (c-spine) x-rays to check for broken bones or other problems in your neck. Several pictures may be taken of the bones in your neck. These neck bones are called vertebrae.
  
  
• Skull x-rays: If caregivers think you may have broken bones in the head or face, skull x-rays may be done. Several pictures may be taken of your head. These x-rays can help caregivers find broken bones in your head and face.

Treatments:

• Ice: Sometimes a blow to the head may cause bruising, swelling, or a cut on your skin. A caregiver may use ice to decrease your pain and 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.
  
  
• IV: An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
  
  
• Oxygen: You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your caregiver before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.

Medicine:

You may not be able to take medicines for some of your symptoms, such as headache or vomiting. This is because caregivers need to know how you are feeling. Some medicines may hide or "mask" problems.

For more information:

You can contact one of the following national organizations for more information about concussions and head injuries:

• Brain Injury Association
  1608 Spring Hill Road
  Vienna , VA 22182
  Phone: 1- 703 - 761-0750
  Phone: 1- 800 - 444-6443
  Web Address: http://www.biausa.org
  

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Road
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 404 - 6393311
  Phone: 1- 800 - 3113435
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov
  

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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 (Inpatient Care)