- concussion
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/keuhn kush"euhn/, n.1. Pathol. injury to the brain or spinal cord due to jarring from a blow, fall, or the like.2. shock caused by the impact of a collision, blow, etc.3. the act of violently shaking or jarring.[1350-1400; ME < L concussion- (s. of concussio) a shaking. See CONCUSS, -ION]
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Period of nervous-function impairment that results from relatively mild brain injury, often with no bleeding in the cerebral cortex.It causes brief unconsciousness, followed by mental confusion and physical difficulties. These effects usually clear up within hours, but in some cases disturbance of consciousness continues, and there may be residual symptoms. Some level of amnesia often accompanies concussion. Recovery from concussion is almost always complete unless more serious injury, such as skull fracture, accompanies it.* * *
▪ medicinea temporary loss of brain function resulting from a relatively mild injury to the brain, not necessarily associated with unconsciousness. Those with concussions may not remember what happened immediately before or after their injury. Symptoms of a concussion include slurred speech, confusion, impaired muscle coordination, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Professional medical care should be sought to rule out the possibility of bleeding or swelling of the brain.Recovery from an uncomplicated concussion is almost always complete; however, sustaining multiple concussions or a moderate or severe concussion has been associated with long-lasting effects on the brain. Studies of retired athletes who sustained concussions in early adulthood have linked these injuries to reduced memory performance and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) in late life. Furthermore, there is some evidence indicating that severe concussion may be associated with the eventual onset of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
