Essay On Concussions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury- or TBI- caused by 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” (“What Is a Concussion?”) When an individual experiences a major blow to the head or body, the brain is pushed against the inside of the skull and can bruise. Although the brain has fluid and protective membranes (meninges) that cushion it, the blow to the head causes the brain to move at different speeds that cause damage to the tissues and nerves. A concussion can also shift the balance of chemicals and ions in the brain, leading to damage to nerve cells and possible loss of consciousness (Menon). Concussions mainly affect the Central Nervous System. Concussions do not discriminate- anyone can get one; however, younger people are more
However, an individual with a concussion might only experience a few or none of these symptoms if the concussion is not as severe. Also, the symptoms might not come right away, but take some time to start, like concentration and memory problems, irritability, and sleep disruptions. For more severe concussions, some of the symptoms are seizures, trouble walking or sleeping, weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, slurred speech, and sensitivity to light or noise (Mayo Clinic Staff). If an individual experiences any of the more serious symptoms, he or she should immediately go to the doctors to ensure that he or she did not damage anything else or is not bleeding in the brain. Some symptoms might not be as prominent in one person as they are in another person, so family members and close friends must pay close attention to changes in mood or behavior to diagnose a concussion (“What Is a