Concussion

Question 1

ESSENCE

Answer 1

Disruption in normal brain function secondary to traumatic injury to the brain

Question 2

AETIOLOGY

Common causes

Answer 2

• RTA (most common)
• Falls
• Firearms
• Contact sport
• Alcohol use

Question 3

CLINICAL FEATURES

Presentation

Answer 3

• History of blunt trauma to head
• GCS of 13-15 30mins post-injury with transient neurological abnormalities
  
  • Seizures
  • Focal signs
• Symptoms range from moderate to severe

Question 4

INVESTIGATIONS

First choice

Answer 4

• Clinical diagnosis
• CT head to exclude complications in those deemed risky
• MRI head if not returned to GCS 15 after 24 hours and had normal CT

Question 5

MANAGEMENT

General principles

Answer 5

• Stabilise patient - ABCDE
• Analgesia maybe
• Close monitoring for complications

Question 6

COMPLICATIONS

Answer 6

• Skull fractures
• Intracranial haemorrhages
• Cerebral herniation
• Encephalopathy