Concussion Health Dictionary

Loss of brain function with unconsciousness. Cause: head injury or violent spinal jarring as when falling on the base of the spine.

Symptoms. Sudden drawing-up of knees, nausea, vomiting, pallor, shallow breathing, prostration, weak heart beat, irritability, amnesia.

Treatment. Bed rest. Protection of eyes against light. Admission to hospital in case of deep brain damage. Quietness. Tranquillisers, sedatives and alcohol aggravate symptoms. If patient can swallow, alternatives as follows:–

Teas. St John’s Wort (concussion of the spine). Skullcap (to ease headache). Ginkgo (cerebral damage). Powders. Formula. Combine, St John’s Wort 3; Skullcap 2; Oats 2; Trace of Cayenne. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) two-hourly.

Tinctures. Formula as above, but with few drops Tincture Capsicum in place of Cayenne powder: 1-2 teaspoons in water hourly.

Tincture Arnica. (European practise) 2-5 drops in hot water usually sufficient to hasten recovery.

Topical. Distilled Extract Witch Hazel saturated pad over eyes and to wipe forehead.

Supplements. Vitamin B-complex. B6, C. 

Brief unconsciousness due to disturbance of the electrical activity in the brain following a violent blow to the head or neck. Common symptoms following concussion include confusion, inability to remember events immediately before the injury, dizziness, blurred vision, and vomiting. If symptoms persist, or new ones develop, such as drowsiness, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, or visual disturbances, they could signify brain damage or an extradural haemorrhage. Repeated concussion can cause punchdrunk syndrome. (See also head injury.)

n. a condition caused by injury to the head, characterized by headache, confusion, and amnesia. These symptoms may be prolonged and constitute a post-concussional syndrome. There may be no recognizable structural damage to the brain, but scans may reveal evidence of *contusion (bruising) within the brain. Repeated concussion eventually causes symptoms suggesting brain damage. See also punch-drunk syndrome.