Concussions: The Two Types Of Brain Injury

One of the major concerns with concussions is the possibility and chances of receiving another. After one injury, a person is one to two times more likely to obtain another (Sports Concussion Institute, 2012). If the brain sustains another injury before the brain has had time to heal, the chemical irregularity will continue to persist and can lead to potentially permanent damages (Giza & Hovda, 2001). With the concern of obtaining another concussion, some may ask if males or females are more likely to get a concussion. There is not definite data as far as who is at a greater risk but there have been some suggested mechanisms. Females seem to suffer more head injuries from contact with equipment or the playing surface, whereas males receive …show more content…
These two types include mild and severe traumatic brain injury (CDC, 2014). There can be a loss of consciousness in both, but they differ in the length of time one stays unconscious. A longer period of unconsciousness rules out the possibility of a concussion. When someone is concussed, the reticular activating system (RAS) is greatly affected. The RAS is located in the brain stem part of the mammalian brain. In human biology, it plays a role in many important functions, including sleep and waking, behavioral motivation, breathing, and the beating of the heart (Wisegeek 2014). Due to its location this system is more prone to injuries from …show more content…
One should seek immediate medical attention if portraying any of these signs. If one observes another individual receive a blow or jolt to the head, they should take immediate action if the following signs are showing: looking very drowsy or cannot be awakened, have one pupil larger than the other, or have convulsions or seizures. In addition to the signs mentioned, young children can have the same signs of a concussion as older children and adults, but it is harder for them to let others know how they are feeling. Symptoms of concussions are grouped into four categories, which include thinking and remembering, physical, emotional and mood, and sleep disturbance. Symptoms included in thinking and remembering are difficulty thinking, remembering, feeling slowed and concentrating. Symptoms affecting physical well being include headache, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, dizziness, or blurry vision. Symptoms in the emotion and mood category are irritability, sadness, and anxiety. The final category of symptoms includes sleeping more than usual, sleeping less than usual, and trouble falling asleep (CDC,