What Is A Concussion? Signs And Symptoms Of Concussion ✓ Solved

What is a concussion? 2. What are the signs/symptoms of concus

1. What is a concussion?

2. What are the signs/symptoms of concussion (physical/sleep/cognitive/mood)?

3. What testing is done to diagnose a concussion?

4. What are danger signs/symptoms of a concussion?

5. What steps should my child take to feel better?

6. What is Post-Concussive Syndrome?

Define the following terms:

1. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS):

2. Acute Concussion Evaluation Tool (ACE):

3. Amnesia:

4. Tonic/clonic seizure:

5. Absence Seizure:

Define the following terms:

1. Physical abuse

2. Emotional abuse

3. Neglect

4. Acts of Commission (Child Abuse)

5. Acts of Omission (Child Neglect)

1. What characteristics/factors predispose a child to physical abuse?

2. What categories is abuse subdivided into?

3. What are the signs and symptoms of physical abuse?

4. What is act 31?

5. What is the nurse’s responsibility when physical abuse is suspected?

Paper For Above Instructions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs due to a blow or jolt to the head, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This sudden movement can lead to various biochemical changes in the brain and disrupt normal brain functions, which may result in a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Understanding concussions is crucial, especially in children and athletes, where the risk of repeat injury can have serious consequences.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

The signs and symptoms of concussions can vary widely. Physical symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, balance issues, fatigue, and nausea. Cognitive symptoms often manifest as difficulties in concentration, memory problems, and confusion. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping, may also occur. Additionally, emotional symptoms might include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression (McCrory et al., 2017).

Diagnosis of a Concussion

To diagnose a concussion, healthcare professionals typically perform several tests. The most commonly used tools include the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a standardized scale that assesses a person’s level of consciousness based on their verbal, motor, and eye-opening responses (Teasdale & Jennett, 1974). The Acute Concussion Evaluation Tool (ACE) is another assessment that helps evaluate cognitive function and symptom severity through a series of questions and assessments (McCrory et al., 2017).

Danger Signs and Symptoms

Danger signs following a concussion include worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, seizures, noticeable confusion, and difficulty recognizing people or places. If any of these symptoms arise, immediate medical attention is necessary, as they may indicate more serious brain injuries (NINDS, 2020).

Steps to Recovery for Children

For children recovering from a concussion, it is vital to follow a few important steps to ensure their health and well-being. First, physical rest is critical; children should refrain from physical activities such as sports or running until cleared by a healthcare professional. Cognitive rest, which limits activities that require intense focus, like schoolwork or screen time, is equally important to facilitate recovery. Gradual return to normal activities may be recommended under a healthcare provider's supervision (Davis et al., 2020).

Post-Concussive Syndrome

Post-concussive syndrome (PCS) refers to a complex disorder characterized by lingering symptoms that persist after the initial concussion has healed. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, often lasting weeks or even months post-injury. The prevalence of PCS underscores the need for proper management and monitoring of concussion symptoms following the injury (McCrory et al., 2017).

Defining Key Terms Related to Concussions

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a neurological scale used to assess the level of consciousness in a person following a brain injury. It evaluates the patient's eye, verbal, and motor responses, scoring them from 3 (deeply unconscious) to 15 (fully awake) (Teasdale & Jennett, 1974).

Acute Concussion Evaluation Tool (ACE)

The ACE is a standardized assessment tool utilized by healthcare professionals to evaluate individuals for concussions. It covers symptoms, clinical findings, and cognitive assessments to help guide diagnosis and management (McCrory et al., 2017).

Amnesia

Amnesia is a condition characterized by the loss of memory. In the context of concussions, it often refers to difficulty recalling events before (retrograde amnesia) or after (anterograde amnesia) the injury.

Tonic/clonic seizure

A tonic/clonic seizure is a type of generalized seizure that involves a phase of muscle stiffness (tonic) followed by rhythmic muscle contractions (clonic). This can occur as a consequence of brain injury, including concussions (NINDS, 2020).

Absence seizure

Absence seizures are brief episodes of staring or impaired awareness that result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They may sometimes be mistaken for daydreaming (NINDS, 2020).

Child Abuse Definitions

Physical abuse

Physical abuse refers to intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a child, such as hitting, kicking, or burning.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is defined as behavior that targets a child's emotional wellbeing, including threats, rejection, and lack of emotional support.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a caretaker fails to meet a child's basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.

Acts of Commission (Child Abuse)

Acts of commission involve overt actions that result in harm or potential harm to a child, such as physical or sexual abuse.

Acts of Omission (Child Neglect)

Acts of omission refer to the failure to act or provide necessary care, leading to the deterioration of the child’s quality of life (Dubowitz, 1999).

Factors Predisposing Children to Physical Abuse

Several factors can predispose children to physical abuse, including socioeconomic status, parental mental health issues, and family violence. Substance abuse and inadequate parenting skills also significantly increase the risk of abuse (Hussey et al., 2006).

Categories of Abuse

Abuse is typically subdivided into four primary categories: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Each category has distinct characteristics and requires specific responses from educators and healthcare professionals (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019).

Signs and Symptoms of Physical Abuse

Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained injuries, frequent absences from school, changes in behavior, and fear of going home. Healthcare professionals and educators should be trained to recognize these indicators (Sullivan et al., 2020).

Act 31

Act 31 requires all professional educators in Pennsylvania to receive training in the identification and reporting of child abuse. This legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting children and providing professionals with the tools to recognize signs of abuse and intervene appropriately (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 2014).

Nurse's Responsibility in Suspected Abuse

Nurses play a critical role when physical abuse is suspected. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the child, conducting thorough assessments, documenting findings, and reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities as mandated reporters (American Nurses Association, 2015).

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). Definitions of child abuse and neglect.
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (2014). Act 31: Act 31 of 2014.
• Davis, G.A., et al. (2020). What is a concussion? British Journal of Sports Medicine.
• Dubowitz, H. (1999). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and Policy.
• Hussey, J.M., et al. (2006). Child maltreatment in the United States: A population-based study. Pediatrics.
• McCrory, P., et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
• NINDS. (2020). What is a seizure?
• Teasdale, G., & Jennett, B. (1974). Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness: A practical scale. The Lancet.
• Sullivan, C.N., et al. (2020). Recognizing and reporting maltreatment: A review for pediatric providers. Pediatrics in Review.