Concussion Presentation

Axons are the nerve fibers of neurons, that allow communication between brain cells. With a brain injury shearing of the axons can occur. Particularly vulnerable are the cholinergic neurons which are used for learning and memory.

The 3 most common symptoms are:

• headache
• amnesia
• confusion

Delayed Symptoms

Irritability

Sensitivity to light and sound

Problems with memory

Difficulty with concentration

Problems with taste and smell

Difficulty sleeping

The best way to recover from a concussion is rest from both physical activity and activities that require concentration. These activities include: watching TV, texting, using computers, and school work.

Pain medicine can be used to treat headaches.

Returning to Play

General Recommendation is to wait until athlete is completely symptom free and then began a gradual return to non contact exercise progressing to full participation. Any return of symptoms indicates a need to step back. Utilization of concussion testing--a computerized memory and reaction test along with balance testing can also help doctors.

Occurs when a player returns to soon to play after a concussion. Only a small hit can cause the brain to bounce back against the skull. This effects the brain's ability to regulate the amount of blood. This can lead to intense pressure in the brain that can cause brain damage in as little as 5 minutes. It can also lead to brainstem herniation and death.

The effects of multiple concussions is not well known at this time. Many professional athletes have shown a greater risk of depression, Alzheimer's, and long term memory loss.

The Head

Multiple Concussions

1. The Skin- thick, hair bearing, and contains

many sebaceous glands

2. Connective tissue- area of nerves and

blood vessels

3. Epicranial aponeurosiste- allows an insertion

site for occipitofrontalis muscle and tissue of upper eyelids

4. Loose areoloar tissue- connects the two layers on

either side of it together

5. Pericranium- periosteum of skull

Scalp

Skull

Brain

• Centerpiece of Nervous System
• Most complex organ: composed of 3 different parts each with their own function but work together

1. Central Core: helps control basic processes such as pulse, sleeping, balance, and breathing

2. Limbic System: helps regulate emotional states, memory, temperature and blood pressure and

3. Cerebral Cortex: divided into four lobes in which all conscious thoughts and some unconscious are processed

Concussions

http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/brain/brain_flash.html

Long Term Effects

An imbalance in the brain due to a violent jarring

Post Concussion Syndrome- develops when difficulties with pain, memory function, balance, and emotion continue for months and even years.

Scientifically,

what happens?

http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/head.html#glycemic

Coup

After a direct impact the brain swirls around making conact with the inner pormince of the skull. On impact, the brain, floating in cerebrospinal, hits one side of the skull and then bounces back to hit the other side, these two parts are known as coup and contrecoup. This trama starts the cycle of biochemical events that cause the damage.

Second Impact Syndrome

Contrecoup

By Erica Seal and

Kyle Frame

At the Cellular Level

Axonal injury

Symptoms

Treatment

On impact:

• Loss of conciousness
• amnesia involving the event
• fogginess
• slurred speach
• fatigue
• headache
• dizziness
• neck pain