Some Facts About Concussion
Concussion, also called mild traumatic brain injury, can occur due to motor vehicle accidents, hitting the head during a fall, or playing contact sports. Symptoms following the event depend on the severity of the injury and vary from mild confusion and disorientation to a complete brief loss of consciousness. These symptoms occur due to an abnormal movement of the brain inside a skull, which disrupts the functioning of the brain cells at the molecular level. These changes are often undetectable during the neuroimaging studies. Neuropsychological testing is method that is sensitive in identifying neurocognitive changes after a concussion such as problems with attention, information processing, memory, reasoning, etc.
The most severe symptoms are experienced within minutes and hours after the injury and gradually improve within days or weeks. Most people fully recover after 3-6 months. The length of recovery depends on many factors, such as the specifics of the injury, the person’s age, medical conditions, history of previous concussions, stress, previous psychological history, and current psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Some people continue to experience headaches, sleep problems, fatigue, vision or balance abnormalities, and behavioral changes after the expected time of recovery. These symptoms, with proper treatment, can also improve.
The research indicates that it is essential for patients to receive accurate information and education about concussion and have positive, realistic expectations about the recovery process. A lack of information leads to a so-called ‘misattribution bias’ where patients think of common mild cognitive fluctuations caused by fatigue, pain, or psychological symptoms as symptoms of severe and permanent brain injury.
At NRS|LS, patients receive comprehensive care (i.e. neuropsychological and psychological testing, counseling, cognitive rehabilitation, etc.) for concussion and post-concussive symptoms. Please call our office if you have any questions or would like a consultation.
Eleonora Gallagher, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist #7297
Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow
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