What is concussion?
Mild brain injury 
Bump or blow to head – for example Falls, contact sport, car accidents, previous concussion. 
Can interfere with brain function and may or may not be associated with loss of consciousness 

Why does it occur?
Brain like jelly – shakes or bounces around in the hard skull, causing minor injury 
Can cause bleeding within the skull – small or large. 
Can be cumulative – recurrent concussions – may in some cases longer term damage. 

How do we recognise?
Affects brain function for short period of time. 
Immediate: dazed, confused, vomits, loss consciousness, poor balance, 
Longer term: headache continues, fatigue, poor concentration. 
Certainly more serious: drowsy, fit, slurrrd speech. 

How do we treat?
Most  recover within 2 weeks. Children 4 weeks.  
Brain needs to rest – toughing it out or ignoring symptoms can make worse, Immediate rest 48 hours, Avoid loud music, screens, hard physical activity, alcohol. 
Return to work or sports activity once fully recovered – often hard for sports people to accept. 
If return before fully recovered- increased risk of second concussion which can be serious. 

Other things to watch out for?
Symptoms worsening see a doctor as soon as possible. 
If persist more than 3-4 weeks long concussion syndrome – specialist support. 
Important any concussion reviewed with your Doctor. 

What is concussion? 
<ul>
<li>Mild brain injury </li>
<li>Bump or blow to head – for example Falls, contact sport, car accidents, previous concussion. </li>
<li>Can interfere with brain function and may or may not be associated with loss of consciousness </li>
</ul>
Why does it occur? 
<ul>
<li>Brain like jelly – shakes or bounces around in the hard skull, causing minor injury </li>
<li>Can cause bleeding within the skull – small or large. </li>
<li>Can be cumulative – recurrent concussions – may in some cases longer term damage. </li>
</ul>
How do we recognise? 
<ul>
<li>Affects brain function for short period of time. </li>
<li>Immediate: dazed, confused, vomits, loss consciousness, poor balance, </li>
<li>Longer term: headache continues, fatigue, poor concentration. </li>
<li>Certainly more serious: drowsy, fit, slurrrd speech. </li>
</ul>
How do we treat? 
<ul>
<li>Most  recover within 2 weeks. Children 4 weeks.  </li>
<li>Brain needs to rest – toughing it out or ignoring symptoms can make worse, Immediate rest 48 hours, Avoid loud music, screens, hard physical activity, alcohol. </li>
<li>Return to work or sports activity once fully recovered – often hard for sports people to accept. </li>
<li>If return before fully recovered- increased risk of second concussion which can be serious. </li>
</ul>
Other things to watch out for? 
<ul>
<li>Symptoms worsening see a doctor as soon as possible. </li>
<li>If persist more than 3-4 weeks long concussion syndrome – specialist support. </li>
<li>Important any concussion reviewed with your Doctor. </li>
</ul>

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB.

News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB. News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB.News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?