What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull. While many people associate concussions with direct head impacts, it is essential to note that you do not always need to hit your head to sustain one. A sudden change in direction or forceful movement of the head – such as a fall, a sports injury, or even a car accident—can cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull, resulting in a concussion.

Not all concussions present the same symptoms, and not everyone will lose consciousness after an injury. Some individuals may experience:

• Loss of Consciousness : Some concussions come with a brief period of unconsciousness, but this is not always the case.
• No Loss of Consciousness : Many concussions occur without eventful loss of consciousness. This can lead individuals to mistakenly think they are unaffected

Post-Concussion Symptoms

Post-concussion symptoms – whether from football or just hitting your head – can range from a slight headache in a mild concussion to severe headaches, dizziness, nausea or blurred vision in more serious brain injuries. Concussion symptoms in children can also range from subtle to extreme.

In this video, Dr. Marc Ellis, practicing in the metro Atlanta area, works to help people suffering from brain injuries better understand the signs and side effects of a concussion and how it can affect the different areas of the brain. He also seeks to help family members and friends gain a better understanding of what may be happening to their loved one. When people get concussions, they will often experience changes in brain function and behavior that they cannot explain.

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