From the Research
Definition and Difference
- A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a biomechanical force that results in neuronal dysfunction, mostly due to functional rather than structural abnormalities 1.
- A contusion, on the other hand, refers to a bruise of the brain tissue, which can occur as a result of a head injury 2.
- The key difference between the two is that a concussion does not involve gross anatomic lesions, whereas a contusion involves actual damage to the brain tissue.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Concussions are characterized by symptoms such as impairments of memory and attention, headache, and alteration of mental status 1.
- Contusions, as a type of head injury, can also present with similar symptoms, but may also involve more severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness, seizures, or focal neurological deficits 2.
- Diagnosis of both conditions involves a detailed history, physical examination, and possible head imaging to rule out acute intracranial pathology 3.
Pathophysiology
- The pathophysiology of concussion involves a complex cascade of metabolic events leading to perturbation of delicate neuronal homeostatic balances, resulting in functional rather than structural abnormalities 1.
- The exact mechanism of contusion is not as well understood, but it is thought to involve actual damage to the brain tissue, which can lead to a range of symptoms and complications 2.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment of concussions should include an individualized approach that focuses on the affected domains, such as physical, cognition, mood, and sleep 3.
- Management of contusions typically involves more aggressive treatment, including monitoring for complications such as increased intracranial pressure, seizures, or infection 2.