What Happens to the Brain During a Concussion?

brain x ray mild concussion

Most everyone has watched, witnessed or experienced a concussion. Professional sports, particularly football, are known for hard hits that result in one player going rag-doll limp as soon as they are hit. Sometimes a player doesn’t lose consciousness but appears confused or unaware of their surroundings. Sometimes a hard hit is met with no reaction at all. Both reactions are valid examples of concussion.

brain scan with potential injury

During a mild concussion, the head is impacted by either acceleration or deceleration as well as a change of motion that results in the brain rotating, causing it to “bump” the inside of the skull, both at the point of impact and then opposite the point of impact. In cases where the twisting is substantial, loss of consciousness often occurs. At these sites where impact occurs, injury is caused on a cellular level. There is no bruise, scrape or bump on the brain itself. The cells in these areas are damaged, but with no visible sign of harm. That’s part of what makes concussion so hard to diagnose immediately following a head injury.

Because the cells of the brain are damaged in the areas where the head trauma occurs, as well as directly opposite, symptoms of concussion vary and can take time to surface. Immediately following a concussion, you may experience dizziness, have a hard time sleeping, or have neck pain. You might feel irritable, emotional, or experience anxiety or depression.

Think of concussion less like a physical injury and more like a computer coming back online. When you restart a computer after having an issue, it takes a while to get its bearings, make sure everything is working, and get all its systems going again. This is a similar process to what the brain goes through.

In order to provide the best concussion care, we need to see patients within 24 hours of an accident if possible. Elevate Health Clinics has locations in Dallas and Colleyville for your convenience, as well a trusted network of providers to help you get the care you need. From chiropractors, orthopedics, and pain management specialists, to finding an attorney to help bring your accident claim, we can help you get all your accident needs managed so that you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery. Make an appointment today by calling 855-435-3828, or email us at info@elevateclinics.com.

This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult with a health care provider.

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