A concussion is the least serious form of brain injury, caused by a sharp blow to the head. Concussions range from mild to severe, but always affect, at least temporarily, the way the brain functions. Multiple concussions over years, such as that experienced by professional football players have been found to cause traumatic brain injuries including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CET).The Boston Channel: Long-Term Side Effects Of Concussions Revealed (January 27, 2009)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a type of brain injury suffered by professional athletes who have experienced repeated concussions over a period of years. Symptoms reported include depression, sleeplessness, and mental fatigue. A report issued on January 27, 2009 by researchers at the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy reported that the brains of professional football players who died as relatively young men in their 30s and 40s show similar damage to Alzheimer's patients in their 80s.The Boston Channel: Long-Term Side Effects Of Concussions Revealed (January 27, 2009)
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have a concussion, please consult your doctor.
Concussion Holistic and Alternative Treatment
- Alive: Concussion
Concussion Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Concussion Clinical Trials
Concussion Support Groups and Coping Skills
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Coping With Memory Loss
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Concussions temporarily affect memory, reflexes, speech, judgment, balance and coordinationMayo Clinic: Concussion
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Fact:
Caused by a blow to the headMayo Clinic: Concussion
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Fact:
Doesn't always involve unconsciousnessMayo Clinic: Concussion
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Fact:
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Symptoms can include
Loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, and vomitingeMedicineHealth: Concussion
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Also
confusion, blurred vision, short-term memory loss, repeating phraseseMedicineHealth: Concussion
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Fact:
Seek a doctor's advice if a person's head struck something hard, whether they lost consciousness or not, especially if they experience memory loss, nausea or headacheeMedicineHealth: Concussion
