First Aid for Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function. Even without loss of consciousness, it can lead to serious symptoms and requires careful monitoring.

Some of the situations where a person could require emergency treatment due to a concussion include Assaults, Motor vehicle accidents, Falls, and Sports injuries. I have seen grown-up adults as well as young children experiencing concussions during many such situations.

Hence, it is important to make yourself aware of the signs of a concussion that will eventually help you or your loved ones struggling with concussion find proper guidance toward the next step or way of treatment.

Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion

The common symptoms of concussions are:

• Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours to days:
• Headache or pressure in the head
• Dizziness, confusion, or feeling dazed
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Slurred speech or delayed responses
• Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
• Unequal pupils or fluid from ears/nose (serious signs)
• In children: irritability, sleep changes, loss of interest in play

How to Diagnose

If someone needs to visit an emergency room or a doctor for a concussion, their doctor will ask:

• How the injury took place
• The symptoms they are experiencing
• How severe the symptoms are

A physical examination will be conducted by the doctor, which could include a vision and balance test. If there are severe symptoms or serious impact involved, one might have to undergo a CT scan or MRI scan of your brain so that it can be checked for damage.

If a person experiences seizures after a concussion, your healthcare provider might perform an electroencephalogram, which helps in monitoring a person’s brain waves.

First Aid for Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can alter brain function. Even if a head injury seems minor, it’s important to assume a concussion might be present and take precautions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to first aid for a suspected concussion:

1. Ensure Scene Safety and Check for Injuries

• Safety First: Make sure both you and the injured person are in a safe environment. If the injury resulted from a vehicle accident or risky activity, move them carefully only if necessary and safe to do so.
• Initial Assessment: Check for any life-threatening injuries. If there’s evidence of severe head trauma (e.g., prolonged unconsciousness, seizures, or significant bleeding), call emergency services immediately.

2. Evaluate the Person’s Condition

• Observe Symptoms: Look for signs that may suggest a concussion, including:
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Headache or nausea
  • Blurred vision or sensitivity to light/noise
  • Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
  • Unusual behavior or mood changes Note that some symptoms may not appear immediately and could develop over the next few hours or even days.
• Ask Questions: If the person is conscious, ask what they remember about the incident. Inquire about any pain, changes in vision, or if they feel unusually drowsy.

3. Provide Immediate Care

• Rest and Observation: Have the person sit or lie down in a quiet, dimly lit area. Encourage them to avoid screens or activities that require concentration. Keep them under close observation for any worsening symptoms. Changes in responsiveness, repeated vomiting, or increasing confusion require urgent medical attention.
• Do Not Allow Return to Activity: Advise the person to refrain from physical activities, including sports or heavy exertion, until cleared by a healthcare provider. Continuing activities too soon can worsen the injury.
• Avoid Certain Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen may be acceptable for headache relief, but avoid aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) immediately after a concussion, as these can increase the risk of bleeding—always follow professional advice.

4. When to Seek Medical Care

• Expression of Severe Symptoms: Call 911 or seek urgent care if you see recurring vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, or signs of a worsening headache and neurological function.
• Follow-Up Exam: Even if symptoms appear to be mild, a full evaluation by a healthcare provider is recommended. Repeated concussions can lead to more serious, long-term issues, so timely medical follow up is critical.

5. Post-Injury Recommendations

• Monitor the Injury: Keep a record of any new symptoms or changes in behavior over the next 24 to 48 hours. Have someone check on the person periodically.
• Gradual Return: Once a healthcare professional gives the go-ahead, a gradual return to normal activities is typically recommended. Abruptly resuming work, school, or sports might prolong recovery.

Prevention

There are certain simple steps you can take and a few things you can remember to reduce the chances of experiencing a concussion. They are as follows:

• Don’t forget to put the seatbelt on when you’re riding a motor vehicle.
• Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Ensure your kids use the booster seat or safety seat as needed, and make sure they have a seatbelt on.
• Always wear a helmet whenever you engage in activities such as snowboarding, riding a motorcycle or bike, horseback riding, skiing, and playing contact sports.
• Don’t get on a ladder if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Alcohol or even certain medicines can affect your balance or make you dizzy.
• Reduce the chances of falling down within your home by decluttering the space, getting rid of slippery area rugs, and installing grab bars in the bathroom.
• Since poor vision can increase your chances of falling down or getting into other kinds of accidents, make sure to get your vision checked at least once a year.

When to Call Emergency Services

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Seizures or repeated vomiting
• Unequal pupils or fluid from ears/nose
• Increasing confusion, agitation, or drowsiness
• Difficulty walking or speaking

Recovery Tips

• Rest for 24–48 hours, avoiding screens, reading, or strenuous activity
• Gradually return to normal activities under medical guidance
• Follow up with a healthcare provider for evaluation and clearance

REFERENCES

1. American Red cross, Concussion, https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/concussion
2. William C, First Aid and Treatment for Concussions, Last Review Date: 2021 Apr 22, https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/brain-and-nerves/first-aid-and-treatment-for-concussions
3. First Aid. Mayo Clinic, Head Trauma:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-head-trauma/basics/art-20056626
4. Signs and symptoms of concussion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/signs-symptoms/index.html. Retrieved June. 3, 2024.
5. Walls RM, et al., eds. Head trauma. In: Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com.

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