After suffering a blow to the head (the young man was struck by a heavy object over the head), a patient was recently admitted to the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital ER after presenting with abnormal behavior. This is one one the key features of a concussion, and requires adequate monitoring in order to prevent further neuronal injury. A concussion is classed as a traumatic head injury:
Our patient initially presented with lethargy and a mild confusion lasting a only a few minutes, dizziness and a general feeling of discomfort. Further physical finding reviled a black eye, and no further abnormalities where noted. Concussions may be graded as following: Grade 1: No loss of consciousness, transient confusion, resolution of symptoms and mental abnormalities in <15min Grade 2: No loss of consciousness, transient confusion, resolution of symptoms and mental abnormalities in >15min Grade 3: Any loss of consciousness |
So how common are concussions?
Concussions are so common that it affects 128 people per 100,000 population in the united states. It has been reported that almost all physicians have been called on at some point to provide care at the scene or to treat the sequel of a concussion. Young children have been reported as having the highest rate of concussion, and sports and bicycle accidents accounting for the majority of cases of children 5 to 14 years old. Falls and vehicular accidents are the most common cause of concussions in adults.
- The New England Journal of Medicine. Concussion. 2007;356:166-72.
Concussions are so common that it affects 128 people per 100,000 population in the united states. It has been reported that almost all physicians have been called on at some point to provide care at the scene or to treat the sequel of a concussion. Young children have been reported as having the highest rate of concussion, and sports and bicycle accidents accounting for the majority of cases of children 5 to 14 years old. Falls and vehicular accidents are the most common cause of concussions in adults.
- The New England Journal of Medicine. Concussion. 2007;356:166-72.
If you think someone may have a concussion, consider the following steps:
1. Check to make sure the scene is safe.
2. Check for loss of consciousness. 3. If the person is unconscious, check their ABC (airway, breathing, circulation) 4. Do not move the person unless absolutely necessary. 5. Check the person’s mental awareness. 6. Check the person’s eyes. 7. Watch for vomiting. 8. Keep the person awake for a period of time to see if their condition gets worse. 9. Be aware that complaints can subside only to appear later on and be worse. 10. Be aware that children can become worse very quickly |
The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published a thorough document entitled "How to Prevent a Concussion" which we have posted bellow:
An Injury and Prevention Awareness Project brought to you by Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital Trauma & Emergency Centre.