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Can A Concussion Have Residual Effects?
Posted on
Wed, 25 Sep 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 25 Sep 2013
Answered on
Thu, 24 Oct 2013
Last reviewed on
Question : can a concussion have residual effects 10 - 15 years later. And can early effects be exacerbated by a recent concussion
Brief Answer:
Concussion can have residual effects.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
Concussion describes a brain injury where, after an injury, there are functional changes that occur in how the brain works but no visible structural damage can be seen on standard imaging tests like CT scan, changes might occur are the microscopic level. While temporary loss of consciousness due to injury means that a concussion has taken place, most concussions occur without the patient being knocked out. It is usually seen in sports related injuries. Symptoms usually resolve within three weeks, though they may persist or complications may occur.
Cumulative effects of concussions are poorly understood, with this being even more true in children. The severity of concussions and their symptoms may worsen with successive injuries, even if a subsequent injury occurs months or years after an initial one (15 years in your situation).
Cumulative effects may include psychiatric disorders and loss of long-term memory. Research shows that three or more concussions is also associated with a fivefold greater chance of developing Alzheimer's disease earlier and a threefold greater chance of developing memory deficits.
The problems relating to concussion injury are patient specific and needs to be evaluated in detail where necessary.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.
Dr.A.Rao Kavoor
Concussion can have residual effects.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
Concussion describes a brain injury where, after an injury, there are functional changes that occur in how the brain works but no visible structural damage can be seen on standard imaging tests like CT scan, changes might occur are the microscopic level. While temporary loss of consciousness due to injury means that a concussion has taken place, most concussions occur without the patient being knocked out. It is usually seen in sports related injuries. Symptoms usually resolve within three weeks, though they may persist or complications may occur.
Cumulative effects of concussions are poorly understood, with this being even more true in children. The severity of concussions and their symptoms may worsen with successive injuries, even if a subsequent injury occurs months or years after an initial one (15 years in your situation).
Cumulative effects may include psychiatric disorders and loss of long-term memory. Research shows that three or more concussions is also associated with a fivefold greater chance of developing Alzheimer's disease earlier and a threefold greater chance of developing memory deficits.
The problems relating to concussion injury are patient specific and needs to be evaluated in detail where necessary.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.
Dr.A.Rao Kavoor
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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