What is a concussion?

• A bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
• The brain endures a shearing force, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Common Causes: 

• Falls
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Violence
• Sports

Diagnostic Criteria for a Concussion: 

1. A mechanism of injury to suspect a concussion

2. Any reported or observed signs or symptoms of a concussion

For symptoms of a concussion please go here.

Concussions are serious injuries and should be managed by someone with advanced training in concussion care. Things that will be tested after a concussion should include: mental status, cognition, oculomotor function, gross sensorimotor, gait, balance, vestibular function, and coordination. Computerized neurocognitive testing tools are useful when there is baseline data for that individual but are more useful when in conjunction with all of the above testing.