Definition
A concussion refers to a trauma-induced alteration in neurological function. Giza and Hovda (2001) and Hovda et al. (1990) discuss the abnormal neurometabolic processes associated with concussion. Early clinical signs of concussion include alteration of mental status or behavior, and can be accompanied by other symptoms outlined below.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of concussion is made based on identifying an event with adequate biomechanical force to cause a concussive injury and by examining acute injury severity indicators. Frequent events associated with a direct trauma or blow to the head to cause concussion include a fall, motor vehicle accident, or sports collision. In addition to a direct blow to the head, a concussion can result from rapid acceleration, deceleration, rotational or percussive forces that affect brain tissue. Injury severity indicators frequently used to diagnose concussion include alteration of...
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References and Readings
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Powell, M.R., McCrea, M.A. (2011). Concussion. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_226
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_226
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