Loss of memory, hearing, vision, headaches, vomiting, fatigue and irritability are all consequences of shell shock. This term is of Latin origin and translates as "bruise". Further in the article, we will analyze in detail what concussion is.
General information
Considering the question of what is a concussion, one should turn first of all to medical guides. According to information in this literature, this concept means a general damage to the body due to mechanical stress. It, in turn, can be an air, water or sound wave from an explosion or other process. Concussion also arises from a blow to the ground. It is noteworthy that the victim may not have external signs of injury. When answering the question of what is concussion, it should be noted one clear difference from its contusion. So, the latter, as a rule, is not accompanied by loss of consciousness to the victims. In especially severe cases of contusion, the patient may fall into a coma. Also, upon regaining consciousness, the victim experiences certain difficulties with speech and hearing, amnesia is possible, which is not observed with a usual bruise. Allocate the degree of concussion. There are three of them.
Brain damage
Common signs of this condition are dizziness and loss of consciousness, in most cases vomiting. The remaining symptoms already depend on the severity of the injury. The intensity of the symptoms already described also increases depending on how much serious damage the person received. So, a slight concussion, in addition to the above, is accompanied by tinnitus, stuttering. Loss of consciousness at this severity is relatively small in duration. All the consequences of the victim, as a rule, pass after a few days.
What is moderate severity? This condition may be accompanied by
bleeding from the ears and nose, instability of the respiratory system. Perhaps a slight involuntary twitching of the victimโs head. It may take several weeks for the patient to recover completely.
Severe concussion of the brain proceeds against the background of loss of consciousness for a long period. In especially difficult cases, the patient may have coma. In addition, the symptoms include a violation of the cardiovascular and motor systems, involuntary release of waste products, as well as general lethargy and lethargy of the victim. Constant drowsiness is also likely.
With brain injuries, it is important to find out where the blow occurred. The consequences of concussion depend on this. So, if the focus fell on the frontal or temporal lobe, upon coming to consciousness, the patient will experience problems with speech, stuttering, or even an inability to pronounce something connected. If the left hemisphere or the occipital part is primarily affected, sensory impairment and paralysis are observed.
Ear contusion
A blast wave, air or water, very often damages hearing organs. And we are talking about both short-term problems and severe anatomical changes. Hearing impairment occurs due to a sharp change in pressure on the eardrum. Often even her breakup occurs. However, this type of contusion is not limited only to the membrane, the effect is also on the nerve endings. This leads to a temporary loss of orientation and speech impairment. Complete hearing loss due to this contusion is extremely rare. Unilateral deafness and a general decrease in hearing are more often observed. Nevertheless, the first symptoms that can be observed immediately after a concussion are complete loss of voice, hearing and speech. True, these consequences are most often short-lived in fact - their duration rarely exceeds several days.
Eyeball contusion
The risk of vision loss with this kind of damage is very high. Regardless of the severity of the injuries, the victim has a temporary or permanent deterioration in eye function. Such injury, in addition to the severity level, still varies in the scope of the damage. So, it can be direct and indirect. The first type includes damage in which the eyeball directly suffered from exposure. A strong direct blow to it causes stretching of the fibrous capsule in breadth. This contusion is considered light when the patient is diagnosed with only slight bleeding. Severe forms involve injuries up to the anatomical destruction of the eyeball. Indirect damage is less dangerous. They are caused by a general concussion, for example, when falling from a great height.
First aid
Any contusion requires immediate medical attention. It is worth remembering that the victims need complete rest and hospitalization. Before the arrival of the doctors, the shell-shock should be put to one side in a cool place, so that in the presence of vomit they do not impede the patient's breathing. If bleeding is observed, it is necessary to stop them, and we are talking about both external and internal injuries. Cold is the main ally in helping the shell-shocked. If it happens in the summer, a wet, cold towel should be put on the victimโs head, making it easier to tolerate painful symptoms. Ice packs are also used for cooling.
Follow-up therapy
Drug treatment of the effects of contusion is carried out mainly by analgesics and tranquilizers. These drugs can relieve acute pain and calm the victim. However, additional drug correction may be required for overly pronounced post-traumatic syndromes. For example, with tachycardia and hypertension, beta-blockers are used. For a long time with brain contusion, patients were prescribed nootropics and drugs to improve blood circulation. Diuretics, xanthine derivatives, B vitamins and magnesium sulfate were also prescribed to the patient. However, the positive effect of these drugs to date has not been established, therefore, it is customary to consider these appointments as an anachronism. From non-drug treatment, patients suffering from paralysis, convulsions and other problems with movement are prescribed exercise therapy, and those who are shocked with speech problems are advised to visit a speech therapist.
Life after an injury
At the end of treatment, the survivor of contusion will have to change his rhythm of life, as the body has survived a stressful situation. The patient should limit his presence in hot and noisy rooms; work requiring constant attention and stress is also not recommended. Based on the experience of traditional medicine, the shell-shock is advised to include plant foods in its diet. Periodic bathing with melissa and hops, needles, valerian root and peony is welcome.