​Concus​sion

Concussion is an injury caused to the brain due to trauma. When your head or body suddenly jolts or jerks, the brain may either displace slightly or spin inside the skull, resulting in a concussion. This can be injurious to brain cells and the associated blood vessels.

Concussion often causes mild effects such as loss of consciousness, confusion and lack of neural coordination, which last for a few days or weeks, and in some cases they are not even recognizable. In more severe traumatic injuries, effects of concussion may also last for few years.

Although concussion may occur in any stage of life, children and adolescents are more prone to it than adults because their minds and body are developing during these stages of life.

Some children may experience post-concussion syndrome in which major symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and confusion may last longer than usual, weeks, months or even years. The exact cause of post-concussion syndrome has not been found yet. However theories suggest that this syndrome occurs due to damage to the neuro-transmitter system or some physiological disorder caused by concussion.

Risk factors for concussion include:

  • Road accidents

  • Sports activities such as football, basketball, soccer

  • Athletic activities in school/college

  • Bicycle riding

  • A dangerous fall

  • A previously occurred concussion​​​

Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not appear immediately. Common signs include:

  • Headache
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
  • Amnesia surrounding the event
  • Dizziness or "seeing stars"
A witness may observe additional symptoms such as:
  • Temporary loss of consciousness
  • Slurred speech
  • Delayed response to questions
  • Dazed appearance
  • Forgetfulness, such as repeatedly asking the same question​

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else experiences:

  • Loss of consciousness, even briefly
  • Persistent or worsening headaches
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Significant confusion or disorientation
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness or numbness in limbs
  • Unusual behavior or mood changes
Even if symptoms seem mild, consulting a healthcare professional is important to assess the injury and prevent complications.​​
Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​

Diagnosing a concussion involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests. The evaluation may include:

  • Neurological Exam: Assessing vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, and memory.
  • Cognitive Testing: Evaluating thinking skills such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • CT Scan: To rule out serious brain injuries like bleeding or swelling.
    • MRI: Sometimes used for a detailed view of the brain.​
Most concussions do not appear on standard imaging tests, but these may be used to exclude other injuries.​

Treatment for a concussion typically involves:

  • Rest and Recovery: Physical and mental rest to allow the brain to heal. Avoid activities that require significant concentration or physical effort.
  • Symptom Management:
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches.
    • Adjustments to screen time and light exposure to reduce discomfort.
  • Gradual Return to Activities: Slowly resuming normal activities, including work or school, under a doctor's supervision.
  • Rehabilitation: Physical or occupational therapy may be recommended for persistent symptoms.
Recovery times vary, but most individuals recover fully within a few weeks.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics, and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments' costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose, or severe reaction, please contact the Pharmacy Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.​