Most concussions are classified as a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). A concussion occurs when a direct blow to the head causes the brain to collide with the skull. Most people who experience a concussion recover, but the brain must be given time to rest and heal properly. In the US, 80% to 90% of all traumatic brain injury cases constitute mild TBI (concussions). In cases of mild traumatic brain injury, one or more weeks of rest is typically the only treatment and most patients fully recovery from their injury.
However, mild TBI is not a minor injury to be taken lightly. Those who experience a mild concussion are typically more susceptible to subsequent brain injuries. If the brain is not given adequate rest to heal properly, lasting effects may result. Additionally, even a mild traumatic brain injury may yield painful symptoms lasting beyond two weeks, referred to as post-concussive syndrome (PCS). Patients who experience post-concussive syndrome require a longer time period to recover fully.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Defined
The American Congress of Rehabilitation (1995) defines mild TBI as a traumatically induced physiologic disruption of brain function with at least one of four manifestations:
- Any loss of consciousness (LOC)
- Any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the injury
- Any alteration in mental status at the time of the accident
- Focal neurological deficits that may or may not be transient
Usually, mild TBI has negative radiological findings (CT/MRI) and the injury cannot exceed the following criteria in order to be classified as “mild”:
- Loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes
- Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) greater than 24 hours
- Initial Glasgow Coma Scale score less than or equal to 12 (13 to 15)
Effects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
In most cases of mild TBI, patients experience minor symptoms. Immediate dizziness may be followed by severe headaches hours later. As discussed previously, these symptoms may persist for several weeks in patients who experience post-concussive syndrome. Immediate and potentially ongoing symptoms of a mild concussion may include one or more of the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Temporary confusion
- Short-term/temporary memory loss
- Temporary difficulty forming a complete or relevant sentence
- Abnormal urge/desire to sleep
If even a small blow or “bump” to the head should result in any of the symptoms listed above, it is important for the victim to be evaluated by a physician for traumatic brain injury. Too many cases of mild Traumatic Brain Injuries go undiagnosed. Symptoms can persist and long term complications could develop or worsen over time. Exhibiting one or more symptoms after a fall, bump, or sports collision should prompt the patient or the patient’s parents to seek medical attention.
Significance of Recovery from a Mild Concussion
A recent study compared brain scans from concussion patients with scans from a group of normal, healthy individuals. The scans were taken one year after the occurrence of injury. The concussion scans revealed indications of brain damage in parts of the brain directly associated with mood disorders and depression. The probability of experiencing long-term complications increases in cases where the person does not allow the brain adequate time to heal.
In addition, the brains of young children are fragile and still developing. If a brain is injured during the crucial learning and development stages, a child’s potential for cognition and mental processing may be skewed or impaired. It is crucial that even mild cases of TBI (concussions) be treated seriously and the child be given a sufficient break from school, activities, and sports, until a qualified physician clears the patient to resume normal activities.
References:
NCBI Resources
