Concussion

Every year, thousands of young athletes across Nairobi’s bustling neighborhoods experience head injuries while playing football or rugby. Among these, concussions remain one of the most misunderstood yet common injuries. Though often brushed off as “just a knock,” a concussion is a type of brain injury that requires careful attention. Recognizing its seriousness is the first step toward ensuring both immediate safety and long-term health.

Overview

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It can also occur when a forceful hit to the body causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden motion can stretch and damage brain cells, leading to chemical changes that temporarily affect brain function. While called “mild,” the effects can disrupt daily life in significant ways.

How common are concussions?

Concussions are particularly common among people involved in contact sports, road traffic accidents, and falls. Globally, millions of concussions occur each year, and in countries across Africa, they frequently go unreported due to limited access to specialized healthcare. Urban hospitals in cities like Lagos, Johannesburg, and Nairobi report rising cases linked to both sports and motorbike accidents. Despite this, many individuals fail to seek proper care, increasing the risk of complications.

Symptoms and Causes

What are concussion symptoms?

Concussion symptoms can appear immediately after injury or emerge hours later. Common signs include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, memory problems, and sensitivity to light or noise. Emotional changes such as irritability and sudden mood swings may also occur.

Concussion symptoms in babies and young children

Detecting concussions in children can be challenging. Unlike adults, young children may not describe how they feel. Warning signs include excessive crying, changes in eating or sleeping habits, loss of interest in play, or unusual clumsiness. Parents and caregivers should take these signs seriously and seek medical evaluation promptly.

What does a concussion feel like?

People often describe concussions as a heavy fog settling over the mind. There may be pressure in the head, ringing in the ears, or difficulty concentrating. Some experience a sense of being “off” without pinpointing exactly why. The disorientation can be unsettling, and even small tasks may suddenly feel overwhelming.

What causes concussions?

Concussions are caused by any force that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. Sports collisions, falls, and traffic accidents are leading causes. Even without direct impact, the sudden deceleration of the head—such as in whiplash—can trigger a concussion.

What are the risk factors?

Risk increases for individuals who play high-contact sports, drive motorcycles without helmets, or work in environments where falls are common. Age also plays a role, with adolescents and older adults being more vulnerable. Previous concussions make future concussions more likely and potentially more severe.

What are complications of a concussion?

Most people recover fully, but complications can occur. Post-concussion syndrome, marked by persistent symptoms such as headaches and concentration problems, may last for weeks or months. Rare but serious risks include brain swelling or cumulative damage from repeated concussions, which can lead to long-term cognitive decline.

Diagnosis and Tests

How do you know if you have a concussion?

Diagnosis involves a careful medical evaluation. A healthcare provider may ask detailed questions about the incident and symptoms, followed by a neurological exam to assess vision, memory, coordination, and reflexes. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs may be used in cases where more serious injuries need to be ruled out, but they are not always necessary for diagnosing a concussion itself.

Management and Treatment

How do you treat a concussion?

Treatment primarily involves rest—both physical and cognitive. Reducing activities that strain the brain, such as reading, screen time, or studying, helps recovery. Gradual return to normal activities is recommended under medical supervision.

What should you not do after a concussion?

It is important to avoid rushing back into sports or physically demanding work. Driving, operating machinery, or making critical decisions should be delayed until symptoms improve. Alcohol and recreational drugs can worsen recovery and should be avoided.

Can you sleep with a concussion?

Contrary to older advice, sleep is not dangerous after a concussion. In fact, rest is essential. However, someone with a concussion should be monitored closely for worsening symptoms, especially in the first 24 hours.

Can you take medication with a concussion?

Mild pain can be managed with acetaminophen (paracetamol), but other pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin should be avoided initially, as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Always follow a healthcare provider’s advice before taking any medication after a head injury.

Outlook / Prognosis

How long does a concussion last?

Recovery time varies. For many, symptoms resolve within two weeks. Children and adolescents may take longer, often up to four weeks or more. If symptoms persist beyond this period, further medical evaluation is necessary to rule out complications.

Prevention

How can you prevent concussions?

Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets for cycling and contact sports, greatly reduces risk. Creating safer play environments for children, enforcing road safety measures, and ensuring workplaces follow fall-prevention practices are also critical. Building awareness in schools, communities, and sports clubs can help foster a culture of safety.

Living With

When should you go to the emergency room for a concussion?

Immediate medical care is required if symptoms worsen or if red flags appear, such as repeated vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, unequal pupils, or difficulty waking up. These may indicate a more serious brain injury.

Which questions should I ask my doctor?

Useful questions include: How long should rest last before returning to school or work? What warning signs require urgent reevaluation? What activities are safe during recovery? Can multiple concussions have lasting effects? Asking these questions ensures both the patient and caregivers understand the path to recovery.

Published 13th Sept 2025

References

Share this post:

← Previous Post Next Post →
Read Other Posts