A concussion is a brain injury resulting from a forceful impact causing the brain to shake inside the skull. It is also defined by a period of amnesia after head trauma.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of concussion include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Treatment
The best way to prevent long-term problems associated with concussion such as is to manage the injury properly when it occurs. This may include:
- Medical evaluation and treatment
- Medically recommended tests to assess your neurological function and the extent of your head injury
- Ice application. Wrap ice in a cloth and place it at the site of injury. Leave the ice on for at least half an hour to reduce the swelling.
- Rest
- Over the counter pain reliever for the discomfort
- Increased fluid intake
Einstein Neurology and MossRehab: Making an ImPACT
MossRehab, nationally recognized for its brain injury rehabilitation programs offers an innovative diagnostic tool called ImPACT© (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), as part of its concussion program.
ImPACT is a comprehensive evaluation tool that has been used by the National Football League, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball and numerous other professional and collegiate athletic teams and organizations. It is a 20-minute computerized assessment of neurocognitive functioning such as:
- Attention
- Memory
- Reaction time
- Visual processing speed
- Post-concussion symptoms
Your outcomes will be compared to a database of baseline norms established by ImPACT researchers.