How to detect concussion

Some concussion patients suffer from severe head trauma. Short-term concussion may cause symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness and headache, which can be relieved after a period of time. If the symptoms cannot be relieved, damage to the brain substance should be considered and timely treatment in the neurology department is required. If not treated, it may cause memory damage and brain damage. So, how should a concussion be detected?

1. Inspection

Lumbar puncture showed normal intracranial pressure, and some patients had decreased intracranial pressure. The cerebrospinal fluid is colorless and transparent, does not contain blood, and the white blood cell count is normal. Biochemical tests are mostly within the normal range, and some may reveal a significant increase in acetylcholine content, a decrease in cholesterase activity, and an increase in potassium ion concentration.

1. Skull X-ray

No fractures were found.

2. Brain CT scan

There were no obvious abnormal changes in the skull and brain.

3. Electroencephalogram

The EEG is usually normal several months after the injury.

4. Cerebral blood flow examination

There may be a decrease in cerebral blood flow in the early stage after injury.

2. Diagnosis

1. A transient coma occurs immediately after a head injury, lasting within 30 minutes. After waking up, the patient often has symptoms such as recent amnesia, headache, dizziness, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, tinnitus, and inattention. Blood pressure, respiration, and pulse are basically normal.

2. Neurological examination showed no positive signs, and lumbar puncture showed normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure and composition.

Treatment

The patient can be observed in the emergency room for a certain period of time after the injury, and close attention should be paid to changes in consciousness, pupils, limb movements and vital signs. If secondary intracranial lesions or other complications are found, timely diagnosis and treatment can be provided. Patients in the acute phase of concussion should pay attention to bed rest, avoid adverse external stimulation, reduce mental activity, and appropriately receive sedatives and drugs to improve autonomic nervous function, and pay attention to the patient's psychological adjustment and treatment.

Prognosis

Most patients recover within 2 weeks and have a good prognosis.