Use your brain with concussion

Concussion can occur in all kinds of accidents and must be treated immediately.

The helmet does to a certain extent protect the brain from being smashed like a ripe pumpkin.

Having recently returned from the Elite Motorsport Academy at the Academy of Sport South Island in Dunedin I have learnt many, many things. One of the most important is how vital good brain function is to motor racing and driving in general.

Although head injuries weren't on the menu, it got me thinking about how car and bike racers think their heads are safer than in most sports because it's encased in a helmet. The helmet does to a certain extent protect the brain from being smashed like a ripe pumpkin; it doesn't stop it from being rattled around inside the skull, especially in a big accident where violent shaking may take place or an abrupt stop that slams the brain into the front of the cranium.

So, if you wake up the next morning with a headache, it may not be from the previous night's celebration. Listed here are things to look for and what to do.

A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury, occurs from a blow to the head or violent shaking. It is a very common injury in New Zealand, with approximately 24,000 cases every year.

Some immediate signs that a person has sustained a concussion include:

* Appears dazed or confused;
* Poor balance and lack of co-ordination;
* Answers questions slowly;
* Runs in the wrong direction;
* Forgets events that occurred before and after impact;
* Loses consciousness - but it is important to remember that a person can sustain a concussion without losing consciousness.

A person may complain of:

* Headache;
* Nausea and vomiting;
* Double or blurred vision;
* Confusion;
* Fatigue;
* Poor concentration;
* Memory problems;
* Sleep difficulties;
* Irritability;
* Sensitivity to noise and light;
* Ringing in ears.

If you have had a concussion, or think you have a concussion, take it seriously and see your doctor. Problems could arise over the first 24 hours. You must go to the hospital if you:

* Have a headache that gets worse;
* Are very drowsy or can't be woken up;
* Can't recognise people or places;
* Pass out or have a blackout;
* Vomit more than three times;
* Behave unusually or appear to be in a confused state;
* Have seizures;
* Have weak arms or legs, or are unsteady on your feet;.
* Have slurred speech.

The person looking after you needs to get you straight to the hospital or call 111 if they notice any of the above symptoms. Don't hesitate - remember, it is better to be safe.

It is important not to go to sleep in the first four hours. After that, a normal night's sleep is needed, at the normal time. If sleep seems strange in any way, the person looking after you needs to know to rouse you until you can say a word or two, then let you go back to sleep.

If there is any worry about the severity of the blow, it is safest on the first night to gently rouse the sleeper every two hours during the night, and ask them to answer to simple questions. If a person cannot be woken normally, then medical help must be sought.

Do not drink alcohol or take sleeping pills for at least 48 hours.

Do not drive for at least 24 hours. You can drive again when you stop feeling giddy and you feel well enough; if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.

It is safe to take paracetamol for the headache. Don't take medication containing aspirin or dispirin for the next four days. This type of medicine can make you bleed more from cuts and bruises.

You must stand down from any form of sport for at least three weeks and you should not return to sport or training until you are symptom-free and have medical clearance.

The reason you need to pay strict attention to this advice is repeated concussions have a cumulative effect, so if you keep having concussions you may end up with a more serious injury and a permanent disability.

Also, be aware of second impact syndrome. This is acute brain swelling and bleeding that occurs when a second concussion is sustained before the first one has healed properly. This can be fatal.

Facts and figures courtesy of Brain Injury New Zealand; for more information go to www.brain-injury.org.nz.