brain concussion

brain concussion

n.

A clinical syndrome occurring as the result of trauma to the head and characterized by immediate and transient impairment of neural function, such as loss of consciousness.

---

brain concussion

Etymology: AS, bragen + L, concussus, a shaking

a bruising to cerebral tissues caused by a violent jarring or shaking or other blunt, nonpenetrating injury to the brain resulting in a sudden change in momentum of the head. Characteristically, after a mild concussion there may be a transient loss of consciousness followed, on awakening, by a headache. Severe concussion may cause prolonged unconsciousness and disruption of certain vital functions of the brainstem, such as respiration and vasomotor stability. The treatment for a person recovering from a concussion consists principally of observation for signs of intracranial bleeding and increased intracranial pressure. Also called concussion.

---

concussion

a violent jar or shock, or the condition that results from such an injury.

---

brain concussion

loss of consciousness, transient or prolonged, due to a blow to the head; breathing often is unusually rapid or slow. Outward evidence of the injury may include bleeding, sometimes from the nose, and contusions (bruises). There may be residual signs such as local paralysis on recovery.

spinal cord concussion

may lead to temporary paresis or spinal shock, with possible local paralysis continuing after partial recovery.

concussion stunner

a sharp blow to the head sufficient to cause stunning may be used as a prelude to euthanasia or, in laboratory animals, as a means of euthanasia on its own.

---

brain concussion

Cerebral concussion Neurology An acute change in level of neurologic function which is usually linked to trauma to the head Clinical Prolonged unconsciousness, memory loss, vision defects, loss of equilibrium, dyspnea, pupillary dilation

---

Patient discussion about brain concussion.

Q. What is a concussion? How do you treat it? My child fell and hit his head and passed out. We went to the hospital and they say it’s a concussion and he’ll be fine. Can some one explain what it is exactly?

A. When your brain gets hit hard- this is concussion. But there’s a nice short video about it with a nice pediatrician that explains it:
http://www.5min.com/Video/Dealing-with-Baby-Head-Injuries-7104