CONCUSSIONS

THIS IS THE STORY OF A CONCUSSION

BRAIN: PRE-CONCUSSION

CErebrum

• largest part of brain (70% of brain's makeup)
• does the most work
• it's pattern, created by folds, is different for every human
• controls: thinking, learning, decision making, joking, and moving

Cerebellum

• sends messages to muscles of body about balance and precise movement
• helps body "remember how to move" (aka muscle memory)

Brain STem

• helps maintain some of body's automatic activities
• keeps heartbeat steady, breathing regular & digestion efficient
• triggers reflexes such as such as: sneezing & swallowing
• if brain stem is damaged during concussion, it can be deadly

LIMBic SYSTEM

• home of emotions and moods
• where feelings and strong physical reactions connect like fear connects to fast heartbeat
• influences how you form memory

BRAIN: DURING CONCUSSION

HOw you get a concussion

• occurs when an object hits the head or the head hits the object
• First, the brain is injured at point of impact
• Second, the brain bounces inside the skull and is injured opposite the point of impact
• Third, the brain twists as it rebounds inside the skull: damaging a lot of axons

WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO THE CONCUSSED?

• stop breathing for a few seconds afterwards
• pulse slows, muscles relax, pupils widen, and certain reflex actions disappear
• fall down and lose consciousness

SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION

• severe headaches
• weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination in any part of the body
• nausea
• slurred speach
• drowsy
• confused
• has trouble recognizing people or places

BRAIN: POST-CONCUSSION

EXPERT'S TIPS FOR RECOVERY

• rest
• don't ignore symptoms
• healing takes time- be patient
• slowly work in to daily activities
• don't push yourself too hard
• avoid contact sports
• don't neglect basic needs

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