Concussion Theory

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Recommended: Preliminary outline for concussions

Mechanism There are many theories regarding the mechanism of concussion but the precise mechanism is still not clear-cut. It is known that concussion is a clinical syndrome of neurological impairment that results from traumatic biomechanical forces transmitted to the brain that can occur either directly to the brain or indirectly to the brain. (5) To further explain the term concussion, it is important to know that it is a change in brain function following a force to the head, which may be accompanied by temporary loss of consciousness but is identified in conscious individuals with measures of neurologic and cognitive dysfunction. (6) Concussion can also be described as an acute brain injury resulting from mechanical energy to the head from …show more content…

(17) It is important to note that none of these standardized assessments are to be used to clinically diagnose a concussion. These assessments should only be used in conjunction with other tests to effectively diagnose a concussion. Mild TBI are often unrecognized by the injured athlete and the trained medical professional due to lack of loss of consciousness. (5) Studies have shown more than 80 percent of individuals that have suffered a previous concussion did not identify their symptoms which led to an undiagnosed concussion. (5) Neuroimaging Imaging utilized to support a diagnosis of a brain injury includes Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Diffusion Tensor MRI (DTI). Brain CT is the test of choice for Emergency Department evaluation of brain injury including concussion. (15,16) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has an important role in the evaluation of patients with persistent post-traumatic sequelae. MRI is more sensitive in showing small areas of contusion or petechial hemorrhage, axonal injury, and small extra-axial hematomas. (15,16) Diffusion Tensor MRI (DTI) may be more …show more content…

Athletes suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play and evaluated by a trained medical professional. An Emergency Department evaluation is indicated for any athlete who suffers a loss of consciousness. (8) Athletes with a diagnosis of concussion should be removed from play or practice until symptoms have resolved without the aid of medication. Individuals with a history of multiple concussions should undergo a more detailed evaluation that may include a neurology referral. A progressive stepwise approach to return to activity is currently the recommendation. Currently, physicians and certified athletic trainers assess return to competition based solely on symptoms reported by the athletes in combination with standardized assessments. This is a major factor in the challenge of diagnosing a concussion. Additionally, when a diagnosis of concussion is made, the time frame for a complete return to competition is difficult to

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