Concussions animation

Concussions
Head trauma can damage the brain when the force of the impact pushes the brain against the skull. This animation shows what happens to the brain after a severe blow to the head.





Head and Brain Injuries

Also called: Concussion, Traumatic brain injury
Every year, millions of people in the U.S. sustain head and brain injuries. Some are minor because the skull is quite good at protecting the brain. More than half are bad enough that people must go to the hospital. Serious head injuries can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Symptoms of minor head injuries usually go away without treatment. Serious head injuries need emergency treatment. Clues that a head injury may be serious include

A headache that gets worse or does not go away
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Convulsions or seizures
An inability to awaken from sleep
Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Loss of coordination
Increased confusion, restlessness or agitation
Treatment and outcome depend on the injury. People with severe injuries usually need rehabilitation.