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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
[Brain concussion--a minor craniocerebral injury]
Z Kojadinović1, A Momcilović, L Popović
1Institut za hirurgiju, Neurohirurska klinika, Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad.
Medicinski Pregled
|June 5, 1998
Summary
Brain concussion, a brain dysfunction without structural damage, typically presents with amnesia and normal neurological status. Patients usually experience a good recovery with symptomatic treatment and a short sick leave, though postconcussion syndrome can occur.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Traumatology
Context:
- Brain concussion is a functional brain disturbance resulting from mechanical force, characterized by the absence of macroscopic structural damage.
- This study focuses on patients with brain concussion without skull fractures, addressing common questions from non-neurosurgical specialists.
Purpose:
- To present the incidence and characteristics of brain concussion patients without skull fractures.
- To clarify diagnostic and treatment protocols for brain concussion, considering economic and technical constraints.
Summary:
- A study of 240 patients with brain concussion without skull fracture found that 67% were male, with most falling between 15-60 years old.
- All patients exhibited posttraumatic amnesia and a Glasgow Coma Scale of 13-15, with an average hospitalization of 3.48 days and good recovery outcomes.
- Diagnostic procedures included history, physical/neurological exams, blood tests, and skull X-rays; CT scans were not routine.
Impact:
- Establishes that brain concussion, legally a minor head injury, always involves amnesia with normal neurological status.
- Highlights that while most patients recover well, a 3% risk of brain damage exists, and postconcussion syndrome is common.
- Recommends a diagnostic protocol including history, physical/neurological exams, and skull X-rays, with neurosurgical consultation and hospitalization reserved for specific indications.
