PATIENT EDUCATION: CONCUSSION INJURIES

Understanding Concussion Injuries

• What it is: A concussion is a type of brain injury that happens when the head gets hit or shaken hard. It can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to temporary changes in brain function.
  
  

• Types of concussion injury:
  
  

  • Mild concussion: Short-term confusion or headache.
    
    

  • Moderate concussion: Longer confusion, vomiting, or trouble with balance.
    
    

  • Severe concussion: Prolonged unconsciousness, severe confusion, or memory loss.
    
    

• Location and severity: Concussions affect the brain. Severity depends on how hard the head was hit and how the brain responds.
  
  

• Cause/risk factors:
  
  

  • Falls, sports injuries, car accidents, physical assault, or any strong impact to the head.
    
    

  • Children, elderly, and athletes are at higher risk.
    
    

Symptoms to Watch For

• Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise.
  
  

• Confusion, trouble remembering events, trouble concentrating.
  
  

• Delayed complications: Mood changes, sleep problems, or repeated headaches.
  
  

Note: Concussions are not infections, so redness or pus is not expected. “Signs of infection” do not usually apply here.

Post-Hospitalization Information

• Attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and guidance.
  
  

• Report any worsening symptoms or new issues immediately.
  
  

Home Management & Recovery

• Pain management: Use medications recommended by your doctor for headaches or discomfort.
  
  

• Mobility: Avoid activities that risk another head injury (sports, driving, or climbing ladders) until cleared.
  
  

• Rest and rehabilitation: Both physical and mental rest are important. Avoid overexertion, bright lights, or loud noises. Gradually resume normal activities as tolerated.
  
  

• Wound care: Only needed if there’s a scalp laceration. Follow doctor’s instructions for cleaning and dressings.
  
  

Prevention of Complications

• Fall prevention: Remove trip hazards, use rails, ensure good lighting.
  
  

• Monitoring for delayed symptoms: Watch for worsening headache, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, vision changes, or mood swings.
  
  

When to Contact Home Health vs ER

• Call your doctor or home health nurse: Mild headaches, fatigue, trouble sleeping, or questions about recovery.
  
  

• Go to the ER immediately: Repeated vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, vision changes, seizures, weakness on one side, or loss of consciousness.
  
  

Patient Homework/Assessment: Concussion Injuries (20 True/False)

1. TRUE or FALSE: A concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit or shake to the head.
   
   

2. TRUE or FALSE: Only severe head injuries can cause a concussion.
   
   

3. TRUE or FALSE: Mild concussions can cause short-term confusion.
   
   

4. TRUE or FALSE: Severe concussions may involve loss of consciousness.
   
   

5. TRUE or FALSE: Concussions only affect the skull, not the brain.
   
   

6. TRUE or FALSE: Falls and sports injuries are common causes of concussions.
   
   

7. TRUE or FALSE: Headache and dizziness are common concussion symptoms.
   
   

8. TRUE or FALSE: Sensitivity to light or noise can happen after a concussion.
   
   

9. TRUE or FALSE: Nausea or vomiting may be a sign of concussion.
   
   

10. TRUE or FALSE: Worsening confusion or memory problems should be reported immediately.
    
    

11. TRUE or FALSE: Resting physically and mentally helps recovery.
    
    

12. TRUE or FALSE: You should continue playing sports immediately after a concussion.
    
    

13. TRUE or FALSE: Bright lights and loud noises can make symptoms worse.
    
    

14. TRUE or FALSE: Repeated concussions can be dangerous.
    
    

15. TRUE or FALSE: Home health nurses can help guide recovery questions.
    
    

16. TRUE or FALSE: Only severe concussions need follow-up appointments.
    
    

17. TRUE or FALSE: Falling or bumping your head again during recovery can worsen injury.
    
    

18. TRUE or FALSE: Mood changes or sleep problems may appear after a concussion.
    
    

19. TRUE or FALSE: Seizures after a concussion are a medical emergency.
    
    

20. TRUE or FALSE: Contact the ER immediately for repeated vomiting or drowsiness after a concussion.
    
    

Answer Key with Explanations

1. TRUE – Concussions occur when the head hits or shakes violently.
   
   

2. FALSE – Even mild impacts can cause a concussion.
   
   

3. TRUE – Mild concussions often cause short-term confusion or memory problems.
   
   

4. TRUE – Severe concussions may lead to unconsciousness.
   
   

5. FALSE – Concussions affect the brain, not just the skull.
   
   

6. TRUE – Falls and sports are frequent causes.
   
   

7. TRUE – Headache and dizziness are common symptoms.
   
   

8. TRUE – Light and noise sensitivity can occur.
   
   

9. TRUE – Nausea and vomiting may signal concussion.
   
   

10. TRUE – Worsening confusion needs immediate reporting.
    
    

11. TRUE – Rest helps the brain heal.
    
    

12. FALSE – Returning to sports too soon can worsen the injury.
    
    

13. TRUE – Avoid overstimulation during recovery.
    
    

14. TRUE – Repeated concussions increase risk of long-term damage.
    
    

15. TRUE – Nurses provide guidance and monitoring.
    
    

16. FALSE – All concussions should have follow-up for safety.
    
    

17. TRUE – New impacts can worsen recovery.
    
    

18. TRUE – Delayed mood or sleep problems are possible.
    
    

19. TRUE – Seizures indicate a medical emergency.
    
    

20. TRUE – Repeated vomiting or drowsiness requires ER evaluation.

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911