Management of Concussion
Concussion is a transient disturbance of neurological function induced by
head injury and resulting in no persistent abnormal neurological signs.
There may or may not be brief loss of consciousness.
Note: There is no such thing as delayed concussion or progressive
deterioration due to concussion.
Classification of concussion
Grade Clinical features
Mild (grade 1) stunned or dazed sensorium clears in < 60 secs no post-traumatic amnesia
± loss of consciousness
Moderate (grade 2) stunned or dazed sensorium cloudy > 60 secs headache
amnesia < 60 mins ± loss of consciousness
Severe (grade 3) sensorium cloudy > 60 secs amnesia > 60 mins irritable persistent headache
unsteady gait ± loss of consciousness
Management is supportive and observation. The patient should lie down and rest for a few hours. Paracetamol may be used for headache.
Post-concussion syndrome Occasionally a person who has an episode of concussion has persistence of headaches and dizziness for a number of weeks. Poor memory and concentration and sluggish decision making indicate impaired mental capacity. Patients with this problem should be investigated
with neuropsychological testing and CT scanning or MRI of the brain.
Concussion is a transient disturbance of neurological function induced by
head injury and resulting in no persistent abnormal neurological signs.
There may or may not be brief loss of consciousness.
Note: There is no such thing as delayed concussion or progressive
deterioration due to concussion.
Classification of concussion
Grade Clinical features
Mild (grade 1) stunned or dazed sensorium clears in < 60 secs no post-traumatic amnesia
± loss of consciousness
Moderate (grade 2) stunned or dazed sensorium cloudy > 60 secs headache
amnesia < 60 mins ± loss of consciousness
Severe (grade 3) sensorium cloudy > 60 secs amnesia > 60 mins irritable persistent headache
unsteady gait ± loss of consciousness
Management is supportive and observation. The patient should lie down and rest for a few hours. Paracetamol may be used for headache.
Post-concussion syndrome Occasionally a person who has an episode of concussion has persistence of headaches and dizziness for a number of weeks. Poor memory and concentration and sluggish decision making indicate impaired mental capacity. Patients with this problem should be investigated
with neuropsychological testing and CT scanning or MRI of the brain.