3 Different Types of Concussions You Need to Know

The most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is called a concussion – and there a several different types of concussions. While it is traumatic in the medical sense, the severity of a concussion can vary from one case to another.

As every concussion is different, a grading system is used to delineate the types of concussions incurred.

Although they are not generally life-threatening, the effects of concussions can be severe. For this reason, we take every type of brain injury seriously. The purpose of our advanced concussion clinic in Ottawa is to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis and the treatment to put you in your way to recovery.

Concussions: Caused & Risk Factors

The term concussion comes from the Latin word concutere, which means “to shake in a violent way.”

Concussions are caused by an impact to the head, which results in the brain moving rapidly back and forth. This bouncing around can lead to chemical changes in the brain and can sometimes damage brain cells.

The brain is made of soft tissue. The skull acts like a protective shield, but when you have a blow or bump to your head, the impact can affect your brain. In some cases, it literally moves around the head. Concussions can cause bruising, injury to the nerves and damage to the blood vessels.

As a result, your brain won’t be functioning as it should.

If you have had a concussion, you might experience disturbed vision, loss of equilibrium, or a period of unconsciousness. Some things can increase your risk of a concussion, such as lack of safety gear when playing contact sports or tackling dangerous jobs, falls (especially on children and older adults), motor accidents or pre-existing brain injuries.

These are the essentials of concussions. Which type of concussion you have will be determined by concussion symptoms and severity.

3 Types of Concussions

Doctors rank the severity of concussions based on things like loss of consciousness, loss of equilibrium and amnesia.

Below are the three grades of concussion:

Grade 1, Mild: Symptoms that last less than 15 minutes and entail no loss of consciousness
Grade 2, Moderate: Symptoms that last for longer than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness
Grade 3, Severe: The person loses consciousness

Most people with concussions fully recover after receiving appropriate treatment. However, every brain injury needs to be taken seriously.

Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion & Treatment in Ottawa

You should go to the nearest emergency room, clinic or medical assistance if you recognize one or more of the following signs after a blow, bump or jolt to the head of body:

Drowsiness or inability to wake up
One pupil larger than the other
Slurred speech or decreased coordination
Persistent and intense headache
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Increasing confusion
Loss of consciousness

Concussions can be difficult to diagnose, since some symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after the incident.

If you are unsure of the severity of your brain injury, seek medical attention. A doctor will assess your situation and decide whether you require treatment.

Types of Concussion Symptoms

There are no two concussions that are alike. However, there are universal categories for symptoms that you might experience with your concussion:

Vestibular – difficulties with balance and understanding your body in space and motion
Ocular – trouble coordinating eye movements
Cognitive – challenges with prolonged or complex mental tasks
Cervical – issues with pressure or stress on the neck/spine
Mood – difficulties with social interactions, negative thoughts, and feelings of depression or anxiety

Book Your Concussion Treatment Today!

At our concussion clinic in Ottawa we provide a revolutionary, research-based approach to neurological rehabilitation. We are experts in brain health in Ottawa, and regardless of the types of concussions that you’ve experienced, we can treat you. If you need help making sense of your symptoms before your appointment at our clinic, try out our online concussion testing tool!