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It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know has sustained a head injury. Even minor head injuries can have serious consequences, so it’s best to get checked out by a healthcare professional.

If you or someone you know experiences confusion, dizziness, nausea, or unconsciousness after a head injury, it may be a sign of concussion. Call triple zero (000) for emergency assistance and seek medical attention promptly.

Key Points about Concussion:

• Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.
• Common symptoms of concussion also include dizziness, sensitivity to light or noise, and difficulty concentrating.
• It is important to allow the brain to heal by resting both physically and mentally after a concussion.
• Gradually returning to normal activities, including school or work, is crucial for recovery.
• If symptoms persist or worsen, it is imperative to seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment.

Understanding Concussion as a Brain Injury:

Concussion is a brain injury caused by head trauma resulting in temporary neurological changes.

While most individuals recover within 2 weeks, concussions should be taken seriously.

After a concussion, rest is vital for recovery.

Common Symptoms of Concussion:

Unusual unconsciousness

Subtle signs like difficulty concentrating or sensitivity to noise or light

Use the Symptom Checker to assess your symptoms.

Other common symptoms of concussion may include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Mood changes
• Memory problems
• Ringing in the ears

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms after a head injury, as they could indicate a concussion.

Causes and Risk Factors of Concussion:

Concussions are often caused by sudden head motion or brain shaking.

Common causes include sports injuries, car accidents, and violent incidents.

Australian Rules Football, boxing, and soccer are sports where concussions are prevalent.

Other risk factors for concussions include a history of previous concussions, lack of proper protective gear, and not following safety guidelines during physical activities.

It is important to be aware of the potential causes and risk factors of concussions in order to take necessary precautions and protect oneself from serious head injuries.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Concussion:

There is no single test for concussion diagnosis.

Consultation with a doctor and discussion of symptoms are essential.

Imaging tests may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.

In severe cases, hospital referral may be required.

Use the Question Builder to ask your doctor questions.

It is important to rest and allow the brain to heal after a concussion.

Avoid activities that can worsen symptoms, such as screen time or physical exertion.

Follow your doctor’s recommendations for returning to normal activities and sports.

Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen or if you experience severe headaches, nausea, or confusion.

Effective Actions for Concussion:

In case of confusion or unconsciousness after a head injury, call triple zero (000) for emergency assistance.

If you suspect a concussion, seek medical advice from a doctor.

Emergency Signs Requiring Immediate Care:

Signs like neck pain, seizures, double vision, or loss of consciousness need emergency care.

Locate a health service using the Service Finder.

Management and Recovery Guidelines:

Most people recover safely at home by resting for 24-48 hours.

Avoid activities like driving, screen time, and alcohol consumption during recovery.

Gradually reintroduce work activities after symptoms completely disappear for 14 days.

If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

Make sure to stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods to support your recovery.

It’s important to listen to your body and give yourself the time and rest needed for full recovery.

Engage in light physical activity, such as gentle stretches or short walks, to help promote healing.

Consider practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to alleviate stress and aid in recovery.

Prevention Tips for Head Injuries:

To prevent head injuries, practice safe driving, exercise regularly, maintain hazard-free floors, and wear helmets during sports activities.

Expected Recovery Time and Potential Complications:

Recovery usually takes up to 2 weeks, but longer for children.

In some cases, individuals may experience ‘persistent post-concussive syndrome’.

A second concussion before full recovery can lead to ‘second impact syndrome’.

Additional Resources for Concussion:

For more information on returning to sports after a concussion, visit the Concussion in Sport site.

Use the HeadCheck app to recognize concussion signs in children.

Call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 for further assistance.

Sources:

Brain Foundation, Australian Sports Commission, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Last reviewed: July 2024

Explore More on Head Injuries and Acquired Brain Injury

Discover More Information Partners on this Topic

Learn in-depth about concussion symptoms, treatments, and recovery

Find detailed insights on Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia’s website.

Get Urgent Medical Assistance for Loss of Consciousness after Head Injury

Visit the St John Ambulance Australia website for comprehensive information.

Understand Concussion Symptoms, Treatments, and Management

Access valuable resources on the Brain Foundation website.

Obtain a Free Online Concussion Certificate for Detailed Information.

Learn more on Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia’s website.

Explore Information on Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS)

Visit Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia’s website for in-depth details.

Learn about the Signs and Symptoms of Sport-Related Concussions

Get insights on Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia’s website.

Discover Best Practices to Prevent Worsening Concussion

Check out the resources on Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia’s website.

Guidelines for Treating Children with Concussion

Find detailed information on raisingchildren.net.au’s website.

Get Information on Managing Concussions in Older Adults

Visit Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia’s website for expert advice.

Concussion, a common traumatic brain injury affecting millions worldwide, results from a physical blow causing the brain to move within the skull.

Learn more on Synapse – Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation website.

Have You Experienced a Sport-Related Concussion?

Explore the free online Sport-Related Concussion Short Course for detailed information.

Discover more on Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia’s website.

Screening and assessment tools are available to identify potential traumatic brain injuries.

Access more resources on Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia’s website.

Learn about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and its Impact

Understand CTE symptoms, causes, and available treatment options.

Find more on Brain Foundation’s website.

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A concussion, a mild form of traumatic brain injury, occurs due to head trauma resulting in symptoms like headaches and confusion. Timely identification and appropriate care are crucial for preventing long-term issues.

Concussion testing involves various assessments to evaluate brain function and ensure effective recovery. At Moore MyoWorx, we offer comprehensive evaluations focusing on nervous system and muscle function.

Assessing Brain Function with a Concussion Test

A concussion test uses different evaluations to detect brain dysfunction post-head injury. These tests include symptom-based assessments, cognitive tests, balance assessments, and neurological exams.

1. Symptom-Based Assessments: Monitor symptom progression.
2. Cognitive Tests: Assess memory, attention, and problem-solving.
3. Balance and Coordination Tests: Evaluate postural stability.
4. Neurological Exams: Identify brain function abnormalities.
5. Vestibular and Oculomotor Tests: Detect vision and balance issues.

Thorough concussion testing ensures early detection for better recovery.

Recognizing Warning Signs of Concussion

Quick recognition of concussion warning signs is crucial as symptoms can be subtle and progressive. Dizziness, confusion, headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise are common indicators. Seek immediate medical assistance for severe symptoms like repeated vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Dizziness, confusion, headaches, sensitivity to light or noise, and balance issues are key concussion signs. Other symptoms may include blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and speech difficulties.

Severe symptoms like repeated vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness require urgent medical care. Sudden changes in personality or weakness in limbs are also concerning.

Even minor head injuries can have long-lasting effects if not treated. Early recognition of symptoms allows for prompt intervention to prevent prolonged issues like post-concussion syndrome. Rest and close monitoring are essential if a concussion is suspected before any formal testing is done. Taking care of your brain health is crucial, as early detection leads to better recovery.

Quick Concussion Test at Home

If you or someone you know has experienced a head injury, using an at-home concussion test can help identify potential signs of a concussion. While it is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, these tests can give an indication of the need for further medical attention. Concussions can impact brain function, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, and problems with balance. Simple cognitive and physical assessments can help determine if these symptoms are present.

Below are several at-home tests that can be used to check for concussion symptoms. If any of these tests raise concerns, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Memory and Orientation Test

Memory and orientation are crucial functions that can be affected by a concussion. An easy test involves asking basic questions:

• Name
• Current location
• Date
• Recall three words after a few minutes

Difficulty answering or feeling confused may indicate a concussion.

1-Minute Concussion Test

A quick 1-minute assessment can help identify common concussion symptoms:

• Headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light/noise
• Clear speech
• Balance test

If any of these symptoms are present, seeking medical attention is advised.

Concussion Eye Test with Flashlight

Using a flashlight to examine the eyes can help detect signs of a concussion:

• Uneven pupil size
• Delayed reaction to light
• Difficulty with eye movements

If there are abnormal responses, it may indicate a brain injury that needs to be evaluated.

Balance and Coordination Test

Concussions often impact balance and coordination. Asking the individual to:

• Stand with feet together, eyes closed, and arms outstretched
• Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line

Any swaying, stumbling, or loss of balance could signal a concussion.

Finger-to-Nose Test

This test assesses motor function and coordination. Instructing the person to:

• Touch index fingers
• Touch nose with index finger
• Repeat with the other arm

Difficulty or lack of precision in performing these tasks may indicate a concussion affecting motor control.

Word Recall Test

Memory issues are common after a concussion. Test recall by:

• Reciting five words
• Repeating immediately and after five minutes

Difficulty remembering the words may indicate cognitive impairment.

Smooth Pursuit Eye Movement Test

This test checks for disturbances in visual tracking by moving an object from side to side for evaluating eye movement.

Jerky eye movements or an inability to track smoothly may indicate a concussion.

Maddocks Questions

These are tailored questions specific to sports to assess orientation:

• Opposing team
• Game time
• Last play
• Last scorer

Difficulties in answering may suggest a concussion affecting memory and awareness.

Professional Concussion Testing Methods

Diagnosing a concussion involves subjective symptom assessments as well as objective neurological tests. Healthcare professionals utilize specialized tools to evaluate cognitive function, balance, coordination, and visual tracking. Tests such as Balance and Coordination Tests, Maddocks Questions, and King-Devick Test may be used for professional and at-home evaluations.

Balance and coordination assessments include standardized postural control tests. In clinical settings, tools like force plates are used to measure stability, while therapists assess gait and stance. Maddocks Questions focus on orientation and memory recall for detecting cognitive impairments. The King-Devick Test utilizes validated software for precise assessments.

SCAT 5/SCAT 6 Concussion Testing

The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) is used in clinical and sports settings to diagnose concussions. SCAT 5 and SCAT 6 include symptom checklists, the Glasgow Coma Scale, cognitive and neurological assessments, balance evaluations, and coordination tests.

Cognitive and Neurological Evaluations

Cognitive and neurological assessments evaluate memory, attention, reaction time, and severity of executive function. Standardized neuropsychological tests, memory tasks, and reaction-time assessments are included. Neurological examinations look for signs such as pupil response, following commands, and motor function.

King-Devick Test

The King-Devick Test assesses eye movement, attention, and cognitive processing. Individuals read numbers in sequence for a quick assessment with specialized software in professional settings for error tracking.

Vestibular-Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS)

VOMS evaluates vestibular and ocular dysfunction post-concussion. Assessments of smooth pursuits, saccades, convergence, vestibular-ocular reflex, and visual motion sensitivity identify issues like dizziness, balance problems, and eye-tracking impairments.

SAC (Standardized Assessment of Concussion)

SAC assesses orientation, memory, concentration, and delayed recall cognitively. It detects impairment in professional settings following head injuries, assisting in determining readiness to return to activity.

ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing)

ImPACT is a neurocognitive test that evaluates memory, processing speed, reaction time, and impulse control. It aids healthcare providers in diagnosing concussions and making return-to-play decisions with pre-injury baselines.

Quick Symptom Check

Symptom assessments look for headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and light sensitivity to assess severity and persistence for guiding further testing and treatment decisions.

Balance and Coordination Tests

Balance and coordination reflect neurological function assessed by tools like the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) that identify vestibular dysfunctions after a concussion.

Pupil and Eye Movement Tests

Pupil response and eye movement tests evaluate cranial nerve function and neurological health. Eye lights, tracking software, and infrared goggles may be used to evaluate responses, indicating severe brain injuries that require further examination.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

CT scans are used to detect structural brain injuries such as bleeding or skull fractures in emergencies following head trauma, helping rule out severe conditions that require immediate intervention.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI scans identify subtle brain abnormalities post-concussion, using advanced techniques like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to reveal microstructural brain changes.

Online Concussion Tests

If you suspect a concussion, online tests can help assess your symptoms. These tools offer insights into cognitive function, balance, and coordination. Here are some commonly used online concussion tests: