8. Concussion and contusion of the brain and their treatment

Question 1

What is the difference between a concussion and contusion?

Answer 1

Concussion: → mild brain injury with transient loss of consciousness, amnesia, difficulty thinking after head trauma
-change in conciousness without structural damage

Contusion: → is a bruise of the brain tissue (due to localized microbleed or edema)
- damage to cerebral tissue

Question 2

What is the treatment for a concussion?

Answer 2

• Assessment (for more serious injuries)
• Monitoring for 6 hours (see if symptoms worsening)
• Mental rest for no less than 24 hours, and no more than 48 hours (may worsen outcome in either scenario)

grade 1( < 15 mins transient confusion) : normal activity can be resumed
grade 2 (>15 mins): must stop all activities, rest and observed for few days incase of deterioration do ct/mri
grade 3- any loss of conciousness : immediate hospitilization with long period of rest

Question 3

What is the treatment for a contusion?

Answer 3

MONITOR GCS
If needed: LOWER ICP(head elevation, mannitol)