A concussion is the most common type of head injury, and is caused by an| impact which causes the brain to be jostled inside the skull. This can lead to serious problems if not treated promptly and effectively. Because the causes are so common and varied, it is a good idea to be aware of how to administer first aid to a concussion victim.


Steps

1. Keep the victim still. Avoid moving the victim, as this may cause further injury. However, in the case of a car wreck or other accident, it may be necessary to move the victim. Make sure not to let the victim walk away if you suspect a concussion, as symptoms may not be apparent immediately.
2. Assess the victim. Visible external injuries are not a good gauge, as some very minor scalp wounds bleed profusely, while some less visible impact injuries can cause major brain impairment.
   • Physical symptoms include:
     • Loss of conciousness during the injury
     • Severe headache
     • Light sensitivity
     • Double vision
     • Seeing spots or other visual anomolies
     • Loss of coordination and balance
     • Vertigo
     • Nausea and vomiting
   • Emotional symptoms include:
     • Unusual irritability
     • Disinterest
     • Difficulties with concentration, logic, and memory
     • Mood swings or outbursts of inappropriate emotions
     • Tearfullness
     • Sleepiness or lethargy
3. If the victim displays these symptoms, assume they have a concussion and treat them appropriately.
4. Get medical assistance. It is best to stay with the victim and call for help from a cell phone or radio.
5. Alternately, have a helper call for assistance while you stay with the victim.
6. # Ask questions continually. These serve two purposes: the first is to assess the degree of the victim's impairment. The second is to keep the victim awake. Good questions include:
   • "What is today's date?"
   • "What happened to you?"
   • "What is your name?"
   • "Are you feeling (insert symptom)?"
7. Check for signs of more serious injury, such as unequal pupil sizes.
8. Keep the victim awake by engaging them in conversation or other means.
9. Keep the victim's head cool" with an ice pack or damp cloths. This can prevent brain swelling.
10. Make the victim rest, if you have to wait a long time for help, but do not allow them to sleep for more than 2 hours without being woken up and assessed again.