A Concussion Research Paper

A concussion is an injury of the brain that occurs when the brain collides with the skull or undergoes an impact of some sort. Most concussions are a result of a blow to the head, neck, or upper body, a violent jerking of the body. Symptoms of a concussion include dizziness, headaches, nausea, vision issues, seeing spots, problems focusing, lack of energy, pressure in the head, vomiting, ringing of the ears, being dazed, slurred speech, fatigue, temporary loss of consciousness, memory gaps, sensitivity to noise and light, depression, decrease in psychological and mental performance, sleep abnormalities, taste and smell abnormalities, irritability, difference in behavior, change in eating patterns, lack of interest in activities the individual
Observation involves looking for an individual’s symptoms of a concussion. Brain imaging, which is only used on those with severe symptoms or a severe concussion, is usually a CT scan or an MRI. Often, the goal with imaging is to determine if the brain has bleeding or swelling. Cognitive testing checks the mental abilities of an individual such as memory, concentration, and the ability to remember information. Additionally, doctors test the vision, balance, hearing, reflexes, coordination, strength, and sense abilities of their patients when checking for a concussion.
Treatment for concussions is centered around rest. A concussed brain requires rest in order to heal itself. Not only does this mean physical rest, or refraining from exercise, sports, or any physically straining activities, but it also requires mental rest. Mental rest means avoiding activities that require concentration and thinking. Many concussed individuals avoid reading, using computers, phones, and other electronics, and other mentally straining activities. Additionally, many have to spend less time on work, school, or homework in order to let their brains
Studies show that concussions have a lasting impact on a person’s brain even after they are gone. Firstly, with each concussion a person has, they become more susceptible to more concussions. Additionally, multiple concussions can lead to CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. CTE is a degenerative disease of the brain in which the brain has an abnormal level of the protein tau, which destroys brain cells over time. Other common complications that occur after a brain injury are Post-traumatic headaches, post-traumatic vertigo. post-traumatic headaches often occur weeks or months after the brain injury healed. post-traumatic vertigo occurs when a person has lasting dizziness. This can go on for weeks or even months after a brain injury. Additionally, if a concussed person’s brain takes another impact before all symptoms disappear, the brain can swell rapidly. This swelling, called second impact syndrome, is often fatal and can lead to serious health problems. Furthermore, the symptoms of a concussion can be present even after a concussion is gone. This is called post-concussion syndrome and it can continue for days, weeks, or