Notes for Article 2

Notes for article 2

• A concussion is an injury to the brain due to physical forces that effect brain function.

• Can be caused by a direct blow to the head or by a sudden jolt to the body that shakes the head such as a car crash.

•  Symptoms of a concussion include a temporary state of confusion or a disorientation at the time of the injury, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.

• Concussive injuries produce damage to the nerve-cell axons that cannot be seen on a Cat Scan or magnetic resonance imaging scans.

• Concussions can result in the tearing of blood vessels in the brain.
• The tearing of blood vessels can cause bleeding in the brain which is considered a medical emergency.
• Days and weeks after a concussion a person may have the side effects, headache, poor concentration, memory problems, sleep disturbance, irritability, and increased sensitivity to light and noise. T

• his condition is calledpostconcussion syndrome. The treatment for concussion and postconcussion syndrome is primarily rest and recuperation.

• Sustaining one concussion puts the individual at greater risk of another concussion.

• It is important to remain unactive during a concussion until symptoms are completely gone.

• Multiple concussions even years apart can cause a decline in mental function.

• Amateur and professional athletes tend to ignore the symptoms of concussion and push themselves to return to competition.

Kelly, James P. "Concussion." Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. 2010. Grolier Online. 24 Sep. 2010 <http://gme.grolier.com/article?assetid=0069600-0>.