What happens when you have a concussion?

Search: concussed; concussion

Why: Mischa hit his head, gushed blood, and decided to wash his hair. Jamie thinks he had a concussion. All I know about concussions is that you're not supposed to go to sleep.

Answer: Concussions temporarily interfere with the way your brain works. They can range from minor to major, and some people get them (usually from a blow to the head) without even realizing it. Early symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Amnesia (especially of the impact that caused the concussion)
  
• Headache and dizziness
• Ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and/or slurred speech
• Irritability
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Loss of consciousness
  

A violent blow to your head can cause your brain to slide forcefully against the inner wall of your skull. This can result in bleeding in or around your brain and the tearing of nerve fibers. It's also why it's so bad to shake a baby. Concussions don't necessarily involve head impact.

Anyone who has had one is at higher risk of having one in the future, and people who experience multiple concussions can experience cumulative neurological damage. A link between multiple concussions and the eventual development of Alzheimer's disease also has been suggested.

Source: MayoClinic.com, HealthcareSouth.com

The More You Know: It's all bullhonky. Medical Myths:

Myth: Keep someone awake who has had a recent concussion.

Fact: A person who has had a concussion may sleep through the night.

You do not need to keep awake a person with a recent concussion. This was recommended for years to observe a person for any changes after a concussion. People worried that the person may go into a coma and never wake up. This is no longer believed to be true. You can allow someone to sleep after a concussion. This should cut down on sleep deprivation for all involved.

People with concussion should be seen by a doctor if they were unconscious for more than 5 minutes or amnesia persists or if they do not appear to behave normally.

From Health.com:

At home, rest is the best way to recover from a concussion. Get plenty of sleep at night and take it easy during the day. To prevent a second brain injury, avoid alcohol, illegal drugs, and any activities that could lead to another head injury for a few days or even a few weeks. Your doctor may also tell you not to drive or swim for a while.